With flu season likely to ramp up in Los Angeles in coming
weeks, health officials and family doctors are trying to get out
the word: There are some things you can do to avoid coming down
with this year’s flu. First, get your immunizations — it’s not
too late. This year’s flu shot protects against three flu
strains: two influenza A's (an H1N1, an H3N2) and one influenza
B. These three strains have predominated among infections this
year, so it’s as good a preventive vaccine as can be expected.
It’s true that flu shots don’t provide 100% protection,
especially for the elderly. In a report released Friday, the
U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said this year’s
vaccine appeared to have an effectiveness rate of 62%. But Dr.
Thomas Frieden, CDC director, argued that “that’s a glass 62%
full,” and it still provides the best prevention tool at our
disposal. What’s more, said flu researcher Dr. Arnold Monto of
the University of Michigan, if you do get sick after a
vaccination, your illness may be less s