During the first four months of this year, the Flu virus killed 5,827 people more than the same period in 2014, the virologist Marc Van Ranst confirmed on Sunday. “This year, there have been many more cases of Flu compared to last year”, the virologist added. “Also, the World Health Organisation (WHO) met in February to discuss the composition of the vaccine. They made a bad choice for one of the three strains in the vaccine. It was less effective afterwards. These things happen. This normally occurs once every 7 or 8 years”.
From the end of September, vaccines that target 4 strains instead of 3 will be put on sale. This should increase protection for people who have been vaccinated, according to Marc Van Ranst. He also says that a period of increased mortality, like the recent one in 2015, is followed by a period of lower mortality. This should even out the figures for the overall year.
(Source: Belga)
