"Those few mutations may have some influence in just how effective the flu vaccine is going to be for the current season."
Dr. Daniel Kuritzkes with Brigham and Women's Hospital says it's still important to get the flu shot this year because he says the latest 4strainis just one of three that typically 5circulate in a season, and being vaccinated will provide some protection.
"And very likely would make any 6influenza that you might 7acquire much less 8severe than if you are 9unvaccinated."
But it appears many Americans are skipping their flu vaccines this year.
Last winter's flu season was severe. The U.S. had its highest rates of flu hospitalizations in nearly 15 years.
At least 280 children died of influenza, and the combination of a new strain and upcoming holiday travel experts fear this season could be just as bad.
"We're just seeing the first signs of increasing influenza activity throughout the country."
Kuritzkes says it's also important to 10keep up those personal care measures to protect against flu, like good hand washing and he says if you do get the flu, there are 11treatments available.
"There are several antiviral medications that are highly effective against influenza but need to be started early in the course of disease."
