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To: Prince Charles
My dad always talks about the time that he and my mom and my three older brothers got struck with the Hong Kong Flu in the 60's. He says that was just about the sickest he has ever felt. He believes it caused him to develop an immunity to all flus because he hasn't had the flu since; however, now that he's a senior citizen, he does make sure he gets the flu shot ever year just in case. I wonder if the flu shot is any prevention against this strain in England? Very sad news about the kids dying from it.
6 posted on 11/07/2003 7:43:39 PM PST by beaversmom
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To: beaversmom; blam
INFLUENZA A, CHILDREN - UK

It looks like this year's flu shot only offers limited immunity for this particular flu:

Dr Watson urged the over 65s to get vaccinated against influenza. He also suggested that children over 6 months who fall into "at risk" groups should also receive the jab. "The current influenza vaccine contains the [A/Panama/2007/99] strain of virus and is considered to offer some protection against [A/Fujian/411/2002 (H3N2)-like] strains and good protection against other strains that may also circulate," he said. "When influenza virus strains change over time, they are more likely to affect the young, who will have less immunity to them. For this reason, it is especially important for children over 6 months of age who fall into the at-risk groups to be vaccinated." Those in at-risk groups include those with severe asthma, people with chronic kidney disease, diabetes, or with lowered immunity due to any disease or treatment such as steroid medication or cancer treatment.

15 posted on 11/09/2003 1:55:17 PM PST by Prince Charles
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