Chicago's residents may want to stock up on more than just gloves and hats as the city prepares for a potentially disastrous flu season. According to Dr. Emily Landon, top infectious disease expert at the University of Chicago, this year's flu season is expected to be longer and worse than usual.
The main reason behind this grim outlook is that the US typically crafts its flu vaccine based on strains common in the southern hemisphere, where winters coincide with American summers. However, due to "antigenic drift" - a significant change in the virus over time as it attempts to evade immunity - this year's vaccine may not be effective against the actual circulating strains.
As a result, Chicagoans can expect to see flu strains that are less common and have evaded natural immunity. In fact, hospitalizations for influenza are already up in the Chicago area, indicating an early start to the season. But Landon warns that this doesn't mean the season will end soon - it's likely to be a long and grueling one.
So what can residents do to protect themselves? According to Landon, the best course of action is to get vaccinated, but also to take extra precautions such as wearing masks in public spaces, using hand sanitizer when soap and water aren't available, and washing hands regularly. For travelers, especially those on flights, this means taking steps to clean and disinfect surfaces they come into contact with.
"It's not just about getting the flu vaccine," Landon emphasized. "It's about taking all these extra precautions to protect yourself." And with the holiday travel season looming, it's essential to be prepared for a potential surge in COVID-19 cases - although officials remain cautious and warn that this year's wave may not arrive until after the busy travel period.
In short, Chicagoans should buckle up and prepare themselves for what promises to be a brutal flu season. With the right precautions and mindset, it's possible to minimize the risk of infection and stay healthy throughout the cold winter months ahead.
The main reason behind this grim outlook is that the US typically crafts its flu vaccine based on strains common in the southern hemisphere, where winters coincide with American summers. However, due to "antigenic drift" - a significant change in the virus over time as it attempts to evade immunity - this year's vaccine may not be effective against the actual circulating strains.
As a result, Chicagoans can expect to see flu strains that are less common and have evaded natural immunity. In fact, hospitalizations for influenza are already up in the Chicago area, indicating an early start to the season. But Landon warns that this doesn't mean the season will end soon - it's likely to be a long and grueling one.
So what can residents do to protect themselves? According to Landon, the best course of action is to get vaccinated, but also to take extra precautions such as wearing masks in public spaces, using hand sanitizer when soap and water aren't available, and washing hands regularly. For travelers, especially those on flights, this means taking steps to clean and disinfect surfaces they come into contact with.
"It's not just about getting the flu vaccine," Landon emphasized. "It's about taking all these extra precautions to protect yourself." And with the holiday travel season looming, it's essential to be prepared for a potential surge in COVID-19 cases - although officials remain cautious and warn that this year's wave may not arrive until after the busy travel period.
In short, Chicagoans should buckle up and prepare themselves for what promises to be a brutal flu season. With the right precautions and mindset, it's possible to minimize the risk of infection and stay healthy throughout the cold winter months ahead.
So I'm thinking, with the flu vaccine not being as effective this year due to that antigenic drift thingy... 
it's like our bodies aren't getting the real protection we need from these strains. That's why hospitals in Chicago are already seeing an uptick in flu cases - it's basically like the virus is just gonna keep adapting and make us all sick. 
like washing our hands regularly, wearing masks, and using hand sanitizer... it can really help minimize the risk of infection. Plus, with holiday travel coming up, it's essential to be prepared for a potential surge in COVID cases too. 
It's not rocket science, just taking care of ourselves is key! 
. The vaccine is probably not gonna work, so we're stuck with whatever nasty flu strains come our way. And don't even get me started on COVID-19 - I'm sure it's just around the corner, waiting to pounce when everyone's all cozy and happy during the holidays 
. And what's with the delay in warning us about this? They're only telling us now because we're all pretty much stuck at home anyway due to the weather 
. I swear, flu season is like a bad joke - it's always right on time. Can't we just get some actual preparation done for once? 
️. The thing is, this vaccine business doesn't give me much confidence - it feels like we're playing catch-up every year. I mean, what if they don't get it right again? My advice to everyone out there would be to gear up with those masks and hand sanitizer, you never know when you'll need them 
. So yeah, buckle up everyone! It's gonna be a bumpy ride, but we've been here before 
.
It's like they're trying to mess with our immune systems or something. Anyway, gotta say, Dr. Landon sounds super responsible and I'm definitely taking her advice to heart - got my flu shot and masks at the ready 
. The thing is, it's not just about us individuals either... hospitals are already seeing an uptick in cases, so we need to be thinking about each other too 
️
And yeah, I'm planning on stocking up on some good old-fashioned hand sanitizer too 
. I hope everyone stays healthy and happy this winter 
! Flu season is always a nightmare, but this one sounds like it's gonna be a real doozy 
. I'm seriously stocking up on meds just in case... I mean, who needs a fun winter when you can have pneumonia? 
. Travelers need to be extra careful too, we don't wanna be that guy who gets COVID-19 on the plane 
.
, flu season is lookin like it gonna be SO bad this yr! 
in public 
.
we need to be prepared to take all them extra precautions 'cause it's not just about the vaccine 
. So basically, we're all gonna be stuck inside with our masks on and hand sanitizer in hand... because of course we are 
. I mean, who needs a social life when you can have a flu season that's longer than usual? 
And have you seen those mask prices lately? Ridiculous! 
Can't they just make some affordable ones or something? I'm also kinda worried about this COVID thing... like, what's the point of getting vaccinated again if it's gonna come back around 
I mean, what are the numbers showing a longer flu season without the vaccine being ineffective? 
And why can't they make vaccines that keep up with the virus's changes over time? 
. Wash your hands like 10 times a day, wear masks in public spaces, and don't even get me started on hand sanitizer 
. And don't forget to take care of yourself too – stress can weaken your immune system 
.
. But I guess if we're prepared... we might just make it through this winter without losing our minds 
.