DALLAS (WBAP/KLIF News) — Health officials are warning that this flu season could be worse than usual, partly because of the recent spate of hurricanes and wildfires across the country. Natural disasters have forced many thousands of people to share close quarters in shelters or with family and friends and that’s a breeding ground for the flu bug.
Health and Human Services Secretary Tom Price is encouraging everyone to get vaccinated soon. Last year about 47-percent of Americans took the shot, which Price said was an improvement but not good enough. The vaccine is especially encouraged for the very young, babies over six months of age, the elderly, people over 65, and women who are pregnant.
While the flu vaccine is never a perfect match for each year’s new virus Price said this year’s shot is a good match and there should be plenty of doses available.
Price also noted it can take about two weeks after receiving a shot for the vaccine to become fully effective. That’s why some people believe they have contracted the flu immediately after getting inoculated. In those cases a person had unknowingly been recently exposed before the vaccine couild take effect.
