How Does This Year's Flu Shot Stack Up
By
Dr. Scott Olson, ND
Posted November 9, 2024
As the temperatures dip and the holidays arrive, we spend more time indoors in close quarters with other folks.
And, of course, this allows the flu to spread like wildfire.
The latest data about this year’s flu vaccine is in, and it might not be what you were hoping.
But before you skip your shot this season, there’s something important you need to understand…
Recent findings from our neighbors in the Southern Hemisphere are raising eyebrows about this year’s flu vaccine effectiveness.
And while the news isn’t exactly what we’d like to see, it’s crucial to understand what this REALLY means for your health.
Here’s what the latest research reveals:
- Vaccine effectiveness dropped to 34.5 percent (down from 51.9 percent last year)
- Protection is even lower for high-risk groups
- Different flu strains are dominating this season
But here’s what makes this situation PARTICULARLY concerning…
The drop in effectiveness is likely linked to a shift in which flu strains are making the rounds. Last year, the H1N1 strain was the big player. This year, we’re seeing more of the sneaky H3N2 variant.
You can think of it as a game of viral musical chairs, and this year, the music changed unexpectedly.
So, should you skip the shot?
As always, this is a personal choice you should make with the input of your own doctor. However, the fact is, even with reduced effectiveness, the vaccine CAN still be helpful for specific groups.
You need to consider your personal risk factors. For example, do you…
- Live in a crowded area?
- Have chronic health conditions?
- Take immunosuppressing medications?
If you answered yes to any of those questions, you should consider getting a flu shot, even if it’s not perfect.
If you answered no, you must decide if the risk reduction outweighs the inconvenience.
But either way, EVERYONE should be building up their immune defenses with this powerful combo…
- vitamin D (3,000-5,000 IUs daily)
- berberine, turmeric, and olive leaf supplements
- a probiotic
- a mixed polyphenol supplement
Plus, remember these practical steps: Wash your hands frequently, maintain healthy sleep habits, and stay physically active.
The bottom line? Get the shot if you’re at risk, but don’t rely on it alone.
Your best defense is a good offense… and that means using EVERY tool at your disposal to stay healthy this flu season.
P.S. Six simple tips to FIGHT cold and flu.
Source:
“CDC Seasonal Flu Vaccine Effectiveness Studies,” CDC. gov
Written By Dr. Scott Olson, ND
Nearly 25 years ago, failed mainstream medical treatments left Dr. Olson in constant pain – and his health in ruins. And that’s when he did something REVOLUTIONARY. He began his career in medicine – and dedicated his life to uncovering the true, underlying causes of disease.
Through his innovative medical practices in Tennessee and Colorado, Dr. Olson has helped cure countless seniors from across America of arthritis… heart disease… diabetes… and even cancer. All without risky prescription drugs or painful surgeries.
View More Free Articles
The $1000 Weight-Loss Secret Your Body Makes for FREE
Weight-loss drugs Ozempic, Wegovy, Mounjaro, and Zepbound have become household names. These injectable GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1) drugs have captured widespread attention, with celebrity endorsements and social media success stories highlighting their dramatic results. But here’s what those glossy headlines aren’t telling you… GLP-1 is a naturally occurring hormone released by your gut. It acts as...
Brain Fog? Your Thermostat Could Be the SURPRISING Culprit
Cranking up the heat in winter or blasting the AC in summer can send your utility bills soaring. So, it’s no surprise that many of us choose to grit our teeth and endure it. But that could be a huge mistake. New research reveals that extreme indoor temperatures don’t just make you uncomfortable—they could be...
Nature's Powerful COVID-19 Defense REVEALED
While Big Pharma scrambles to cash in on new COVID-19 treatments, Mother Nature already has powerful allies waiting in the wings. A groundbreaking review in the journal Nutrients revealed a secret that Big Pharma won’t advertise—common herbs and supplements could ease mild COVID-19 symptoms. And the best part? You won’t need a prescription or to...
Women, Don’t Ignore These 5 Signs!
I’ve spent decades in medicine, and if there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s that women are tough as nails. They’re pros at pushing through discomfort and brushing off warning signs. But that strength can also be their biggest health risk. Feeling tired? Well, of course—after all, you’re juggling a million things! Short of breath? It...
5 Warning Signs Men Should NEVER Ignore!
Men—listen up. I know you pride yourself on being tough. You insist on pushing through and refuse to make a fuss about “every little ache and pain.” But here’s the cold, hard truth… That tough guy act? It could KILL you. As a doctor I get an unwanted first-row seat to some hard-learned lessons. Hardly...
Mailbag: Is Your Gut Secretly Attacking Your Joints?
“Can a leaky gut cause sudden onset arthritis? My wife has developed arthritis over a 2-month period that is almost debilitating at this point, and she has constant diarrhea. Are these symptoms connected in some way?” -Leaky and Lost Hi Lost, When my patients ask me about leaky gut, my answer is always the same: “It’s...
“Brain Brew” SLASHES Dementia Risk
If you’re a regular Living Well Daily reader, you know I’m a coffee fan. There are plenty of good reasons to stay that way. In fact, I shared a reason just last week. But I’ve also made room in my life for another hot beverage—and that’s green tea. Now, new research suggests it was a...
Nature's New Mood Booster? (It's Already in Your Kitchen!)
Scientists uncovered something surprising hiding in plain sight in our kitchens. And it might turn out to be nature’s answer to fighting depression. The best part? You’re probably already eating it… Let’s find out. An exciting new study published in the Journal of Affective Disorders reveals that naturally occurring spermidine could help keep the blues...
Coffee Mug Hack Could Head Off Cancer
If you’re a coffee lover, it doesn’t get much better than that first cup of morning coffee. But before you reach for your favorite mug, I have some news that might make that java taste EVEN better. A new study finds your coffee habit could protect you from one of the world’s most common cancers…...
WALK Away from Cancer? Study Says “Yes!”
When you’re battling cancer, the LAST thing you need is more questionable advice. Yet a parade of well-meaning folks will insist you must do everything from running marathons to moving to a Greek island in order to outsmart the disease. But what if something as simple as a daily walk could give you the extra...