Why your flu immunity might be weaker this year, plus immersive Van Gogh exhibits are taking over

“Flu is very wily. It shapeshifts a lot faster than the coronavirus we’re dealing with. There are so many strains bopping around all the time. … It is always better to have some protection than none,” says Katherine Wu, Atlantic staff writer covering science.

“Flu is very wily. It shapeshifts a lot faster than the coronavirus we’re dealing with. There are so many strains bopping around all the time. … It is always better to have some protection than none,” says Katherine Wu, Atlantic staff writer covering science. Photo by Shutterstock.

Dr. Anthony Fauci is urging everyone to get vaccinated against influenza and coronavirus as soon as possible. Last year, thanks in part to masks, social distancing, and quarantine measures, there was hardly a flu season.

“Because most of us were not infected by flu viruses last year … that means we didn’t get the typical population-level immunity boost that we all normally get,” says Katherine Wu, Atlantic staff writer covering science.

Also, only about a quarter of soon-to-be moms are vaccinated against COVID. What’s behind the low rate?

Later, Press Play gets a sneak peek of “The Many Saints of Newark,” the prequel film to the TV series “The Sopranos,” and dives into the international popularity of immersive Vincent Van Gogh exhibits.

From this Episode:

Credits

Host:

Madeleine Brand

Producers:

Sarah Sweeney, Angie Perrin, Michell Eloy, Amy Ta, Rosalie Atkinson, Brian Hardzinski, Bennett Purser