Flu Seasons Surprises: Mismatched Flu Shot, Influenza B Concerns

The most certain thing about the flu season is its unpredictability. Because different strains circulate each year, creating the best vaccine is essentially an educated guessing game.

This year, medical communities are concerned that the strain of flu (influenza B) that usually circulates towards the end of the year, came early. Influenza B has had the most confirmed diagnosis so far this year, which is atypical.

In fact, influenza B has not been the predominant strain since the 1992-1993 flu season. Because the strain has historically been scarce in recent years, we don’t have as much immunity in the population. This means everyone is at higher risk for a more difficult flu season. The strain is also known to affect younger children more substantially than influenza A.

While the 2019-2020 flu shot was formulated to protect against both strains, its impact is uncertain. So far, it’s evident that it is well-matched for influenza A but may be less so for influenza B.

Another surprising factor impacting the spread of flu might be the country’s rising employment rate. In terms of the number of people hit by the flu, this season is on track to be one of the worst in recent history. Economists note that workplaces are more crowded, which allows flu viruses to spread more easily. According to the numbers, each 1-percentage point increase in employment correlates with a 16% bump in flu-related doctors’ visits.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimate that this season has seen at least 9.7 million flu illnesses, 87,000 hospitalizations and 4,800 deaths from the flu so far. Flu activity remains high with a 15% chance of peaking late January and a 25% chance of peaking in February.

There’s still a sliver of time to get a flu shot. The CDC says that you have through the end of January. Throughout the season it’s important to follow best practices like avoiding contact with people who are sick, staying home when you are sick, and washing hands properly or using hand sanitizer.

Are you prepared?

If you suffer from signs a cold or flu this season, there are several key nutrients and botanical extracts that are found to be effective in naturally strengthening your immune function.

We have long recommended our favorite supplement, Viramax, that includes 9 of the top-working immune boosters. (Most supplements of this nature include only one.) And our team swears by its efficacy for themselves – and their loved ones! Which is why we are pleased to offer Viramax at our clinics.

Viramax includes a powerful combination of nutrients and extracts that are meant to shorten illness and make illness less severe.

Immune Nutrition Base

This starts with an Immune Nutrition Base and a potent nutrient blend of zinc, vitamin C, vitamin A, L-lysine and pantothenic acid which each play a major role in maintaining a healthy, functioning immune system.

Viramax also includes the herbal remedies that have historically been used to fight symptoms of cold and flu:

Black Elderberry Extract

Black elderberry (Sambucas nigra) has a long history of traditional use among herbalists and is native to Europe, Northern Africa, and Western and Central Asia. The bioactive components of elderberry include the flavonoid anthocyanin. Viracid is standardized to include black elderberry extract with 13% anthocyanins. Research on Elderberry has shown it may have activity in fighting viruses and may also reduce inflammation.

Astragalus membranaceus Root Extract

Astragalus membranaceus is native to northern China and has been traditionally used to strengthen the immune system. Astragolus has also been researched for its antioxidant effects that inhibit free radical production.

Echinacea purpurea Extract

Echinacea purpurea is a perennial herb that has been used for centuries in Native American medicine. Current research has supported echinacea’s clinical applications as this botanical has been the subject of more than 300 scientific studies. Echinacea activates multiple aspects of immune function.

Andrographis paniculata Leaf Extract

Andrographis paniculate is a plant that has been used in Asian medicine for centuries. A. paniculate has been reported to provide strong antioxidant support.

Viramax can be used to proactively strengthen your immune system or it may be used to support a challenged immune system while fending off illness. Visit our clinics to learn more.