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Hello, Elle!
Apparently, the Aussie 'flu is type H3N2 and it appears that the present vaccine contains protection against it.
That's what I think anyway!

Good afternoon
This is the latest news (not good !)
Public Health England warned of a flu outbreak as the vaccine most commonly given out by the NHS targeted the wrong strain of the virus.

At-risk people, such as the elderly, who were vaccinated against influenza could still get the flu as the NHS jab is not effective against the most common flu strain being picked up.

Two types of flu vaccine were available this season.

Quadrivalent vaccines protect against influenza A and two types of influenza B, while trivalent vaccines protect against one strain of B and two of A.

The trivalent vaccines are cheaper and more commonly used in NHS practices, however they do not cover a B strain that has already been spotted 21 times this season by Public Health England.

Hello, Cerasus!
Thank you for the info.
Let's hope we all miss out on the 'flu!

Hi, Rusty!
The plot thickens......!
I did not know about there being "trivalent" and "quadrivalent" flu vaccines, until you told me!
I have no idea what the GPs around here offer........
I wonder if the choice is left to the individual GP?
Or maybe the local Area Health Authorities make the decision?
As far as I can gather, this year's vaccine was produced back in March, and although it does contain some protection against the Aussie flu bug, H3N2, it is not expected to be very effective - especially in the elderly - due to subsequent mutations.
If you google, "trivalent" and "quadrivalent" flu vaccines , there is quite a bit of info.
(once one has learnt of their existence and know what to look for, that is! )
On a happier and cheerier note...as it's Thursday.....is your son coming to visit?


Hi, Cerasus!
"Your Lives in Their Hands" , eh?
Whom to trust......?

Let's hope we all miss the 'flu.
We are all prepared here, just in case we should fall victim !

Hello, Elle!
I have put it to the back of my mind.
I read somewhere that Vitamin C helps to keep it away, but the dear Lord knows if that is accurate or not!
Us old ones (I am speaking for myself, here!) will just have to get on with it!
Wonder if "trivalent" will turn up in a puzzle soon?
Yes, it is heavy rain here, but hopefully my son will visit.

Hi, Rusty!
I am wondering whether your son will still be with you.....?
Anyway, I shall write now, whilst I am still awake!
I came very near to dropping my book at one point!
Yes, let us forget all about flu jabs.........
( I haven't had one anyway!)
We shall worry ourselves into an early grave if we persist!
I have just realised that I never looked at the crosswords today.... !
Did you do yours?
Any interesting clues?
No more rain here...we have a dry evening now.

Good evening, Elle!
My son has gone home now.
Yes, today's puzzle was less difficult than yesterday's, for me, anyway.
Several new words for me.
Antepenultimate, encomia, and tabla.
A good puzzle though.
Been heavy rain here most of the evening.

Hi, Rusty!
You will have had a nice chat with your son!
I knew "antepenultimate", but not the other two words!
I had to look them up.
It is perhaps as well I did not attempt the crossword today!
I have just been having trouble with my computer - it announced that it was performing updates......right in the middle of what I was doing....
I have never had this happen before...I was powerless to stop it.
I wasn't even "allowed" to switch off the tower!
And pulling out the plug had no effect...it just started again at the same spot!!!
Grrrh!
Anyway, I appear to be back in business for now......
Pouring with rain again here!

Hello, Elle!
Had a good blether with my son!
The "unknown" words were quite gettable with the given clues.
My mobile 'phone has been doing updates lately, but I have it set to do any, at 2 o'clock in the morning, when I am asleep.
Had quite a bit of rain tonight, too.
Hope it does not freeze overnight.
I am driving in the morning!