There is new flu vaccine that works on all influenza A flus - those with H*N* characterization - influenza B types mutate too slowly to present a problem for us.
It will only be about 5 years before we all start getting the new vaccine and human flu will no longer be a problem.
Don’t bet on it. Influenza virus is an extremely adaptable and flexible pathogen.
The chief epidemologist of Vietnam discovered a herd of swine, each of which had about five different strains of H5N1 competing for dominance. Once each pig developed a dominant strain, it would compete with other pigs winners for “grand champion”, and become the primary infection for that herd.
When you imagine this same cold calculation taking place in tens of thousands of groups, herds and flocks, simultaneously, the number of possible permutations is staggering.
He described it as being like a computer, making endless trials and calculations to produce a superior virus.
The H1 influenza, in less than a year, has calculated defenses against Tamiflu, the main antiviral agent in use. Already the vast majority of North American influenza are resistant. In a single year.