This means that, at least for this year, scientists at the World Health Organization made a good prediction.  The three viruses listed above are the strains included in this year’s influenza vaccine, which are chosen by committee at the WHO.  If you follow the flu vaccine at all, you’ll notice that this year’s strains are the same as last year’s.  Apparently, our little virus enemies used up their burst of originality with the novel H1N1 strain from 2009, and are laying low for now.

I received the inactivated influenza vaccine (shot in the arm) this year.  Last year I got the attenuated nasal spray, although it is not generally indicated for people with asthma (like me).

If you haven’t gotten your flu shot yet, there is still time. For whatever reasons, vaccination is something people find reasons to put off. Perhaps it is innate optimism – ‘I never get sick!’ or ‘Flu only happens to people who don’t drink orange juice’. Just for the record, both of those sentiments are unreasonable. But you knew that.

Others may be concerned about the safety of vaccines. I was going to say “understandably concerned”, but realized that No, it is not really understandable. At all. While I have some sympathy for folks who don’t want to pay for a vaccine that may turn out to have been unnecessary, if you can get it for free, there is really no excuse.

Today’s vaccines are safe, effective, and ubiquitous. Get one.