Monday, February 23, 2009

Fighting the Flu

While there has been a lot of news about the flu vaccine this season, today's New York Times includes a story about a very hopeful breakthrough in flu vaccine development.

Full article: www.nytimes.com/2009/02/23/health/

This year's flu season has left many anxious over the most common vaccine's effectiveness due to evolving strains of the disease. Yet now scientists may have found a way to develop a vaccine that wouldn't have to change every year because it would stay ahead of the virus.

While, if proven effective, this is a wonderful development, for the remainder of the flu season I encourage people to be smart about their health and protect themselves from contracting the virus in the first place. Next season may bring a better vaccine, but for now: always wash your hands, avoid sharing water bottles, and always keep a little antibacterial handy.