IOWA CITY, Iowa - Local health officials predict a more severe strain of influenza to impact this year's flu season.
That's part of the reason why the University of Iowa is working to develop a more effective seasonal flu vaccine for future years with their latest clinical trials.
Pat Winokur, Carver College of Medicine Executive Dean, tells our news partner KCRG-TV that based on what they are seeing in the Southern Hemisphere, they get the flu 6 months earlier.
Because of that, the vaccines aren't as effective, so they're trying to keep up with the changing strains.
The University is leading a new set of clinical trials to make the seasonal vaccine's protection last longer and work better.
They are currently following patients, who received the trial vaccines, around for a year, looking for indicators like unexpected side effects and immune response over time.
Peak flu season just started this month, but health professionals say it's hard to tell if over the years flu seasons have been getting longer.
She recommends getting this year's shot as soon as possible. (Photo courtesy: KCRG-TV)