The flu vaccine causes more fear than the flu itself. Based on last year’s H1N1 influenza and the tremendous impact it had, the possibility of a flu epidemic should inspire us to be cautious and get vaccinated. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) recommends that most people get the seasonal flu vaccine because that is the single best prevention available. During the last four weeks, the flu has become “widespread” in 8 regions of the United States and we are still in the early stage of the 2010-2011 flu season.
The number of deaths due to pneumonia and influenza was 7.2% of all deaths nationwide which is slightly lower than the number which indicates an epidemic: 7.7%.
There are those who have clear, definitive reasons for not getting vaccinated, but they risk spreading it to the rest of us. This means that shaking hands can be risky. Did the cashier at the grocery store get vaccinated? What about your neighbor who brought over holiday cookies? If there isn’t a medical reason for refusing a flu vaccine, these folks are selfishly protecting their own beliefs while putting you in danger. I know that I don’t want my elderly grandmother to contract the flu. She can’t afford to get sick. I’ve done what I can to protect her but she is still at risk when people don’t take the simple step of getting vaccinated against the flu. According to the CDC the 2010-2011 seasonal flu vaccine is very well matched with the flu strains that are making the rounds. Do you part, protect me, your family and your friends and get a flu shot.
Written by www.labtestingnow.com