When they say drifted, you think floating away, but it really refers to genetic drift or changes within the virus itself since a virus has two components: DNA and a protein sheath it uses for protection from the elements. Keep in mind a virus is both and neither dead not alive. It can be inactivated but unless you break the DNA strand apart, it will reactivate usually when exposed to a warm moist environment like the human body, Odd Flu season always happens in the coldest, driest part of the year. Influenza viral characterization data indicates that 48% of the influenza A (H3N2) viruses collected and analyzed in the United States from October 1 through November 22, 2014 were antigenically like the 2014-2015 influenza A (H3N2) vaccine component, but that 52% were antigenically different (drifted) from the H3N2 vaccine virus. In past seasons during which predominant circulating influenza viruses have been antigenically drifted, decreased vaccine effectiveness has been observed. However, vaccination has been found to provide some protection against drifted viruses. Though reduced, this cross-protection might reduce the likelihood of severe outcomes such as hospitalization and death. In addition, vaccination will offer protection against circulating influenza strains that have not undergone significant antigenic drift from the vaccine viruses (such as influenza A (H1N1) and B viruses).
Posted on: Thu, 01 Jan 2015 21:31:35 +0000
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