The flu virus continuously evolves, creating new variants that replace older strains, making it difficult to find a 100% effective vaccine and to limit the proliferation of the pathogen.
Many people believe that catching the flu is not a serious issue. The illness causes discomfort for a few days, requiring time off work or school. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in the United States, from 2010 to 2020, there were 342,000 flu-related deaths in the country. The flu is classified as “one of the most pandemic-causing diseases in history”, with millions of fatalities.
Theoretically, eradicating the virus could prevent many deaths. However, scientists argue that this is not feasible.
The reason is that the flu virus continuously mutates with thousands of variants and strains. If one strain of the flu virus disappears, others will quickly take its place. When a new variant emerges, flu prevention methods, including vaccines, need to be updated rapidly.
This is further complicated because vaccine production requires time and adherence to specific protocols. To prepare for flu season, experts must predict which variants will dominate in the upcoming season, incorporate them into the vaccine, and release it to the market. Sometimes, they do not predict correctly, according to Marc Jenkins, an immunologist at the University of Minnesota Medical School.
Illustration of a person with the flu. (Image: Vecteezy).
In some years, the flu virus mutates rapidly, outpacing the vaccine production rate. By the time the vaccine is ready for widespread use, it may no longer be effective against the latest variants. The strains of the virus used to formulate the vaccine also change, making them unsuitable for use. As a result, the effectiveness of the flu vaccine fluctuates around 60%, leading many to believe that getting the shot is unnecessary.
A less likely scenario is that science successfully develops a “universal” flu vaccine that is nearly 100% effective, and everyone receives it. However, this would still not be enough to eradicate the flu, as the virus can spread and mutate in animals, then infect humans again. Historical records indicate 16 animal-derived flu variants have infected humans since 1958, with the virus continuing to evolve as recently as 2009.
Therefore, medicine is shifting its focus, recommending that people take precautions against the flu rather than trying to eradicate the pathogen. Vaccines can reduce the likelihood of contracting the virus by 40-60%, prevent severe infections and deaths, and help avert pandemics.
Additionally, flu vaccinations can reduce mortality rates by 70-80%. Pregnant women who receive flu shots can lower their risk of hospitalization by 40%; reduce the risk of stillbirth by 51%, decrease the rate of preterm births by 25%, and cut the risk of hospitalization for infants under 6 months due to the flu by 72%.
Flu vaccines need to be updated regularly, with immunization recommended for anyone aged 6 months and older. Pregnant women should receive the flu vaccine during the second or third trimester, helping to protect both mother and fetus by transferring antibodies to the newborn, safeguarding them until they are old enough for vaccination. In older adults, flu shots can reduce hospitalization risk by 30 to 57% and decrease mortality rates among those with cardiovascular conditions.
Moreover, when experiencing flu symptoms, individuals should avoid crowded places, wear masks, and refrain from contact with high-risk groups such as children, pregnant women, and the elderly. Those infected should limit intense physical activity, rest adequately, and maintain a nutritious diet to aid recovery.
