Image: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Article: http://www.bizjournals.com/portland/blog/health-care-inc/2014/01/hey-you---yeah-you---get-your-flu.html
Monday, January 6, 2014
"'Rocket-like launch' of this year's flu season makes vaccination a must"
Since 2009 when H1N1 swept the world flu vaccinations have become an essential part of the fall. Despite the abundance of locations to receive the vaccinations and the relatively low cost many people haven't been vaccinated. While the flu is most fatal in infants and people over the age of 65 it can easily be carried by people in their 20s and 30s. Its the younger people who don't get vaccinated that are the best carriers for the disease. With a strong immune system they often don't show symptoms the way that children or the elderly do. Because of this they often aren't treated and can infect people around them. Thats why its so important for everyone to be vaccinated and with the flu there really is no excuse not to. H1N1 is constantly reemerging every year with a slightly varied strand and while the flu vaccine is not guaranteed to protect everyone from the flu but this year's vaccine is on track to protect against the 2013-2014 strand of the virus. This year is also on the track to become as widely infectious as the 2009 strand. Hospitals in the South are already seeing a strand with strong symptoms and an increase in patients. This years H1N1 strand already is responsible for 90 percent of flu related hospital cases.
So why did I choose this article? I'm not the biggest fan of shots being that needles scare me to death but its impossible to turn on the news without hearing about the flu outbreak. The outbreak is so large and widespread even in a medically advanced country like the United States. Each year the strain is different and doctors must constantly be working on advancements that will counter that of the disease. Also its very interesting that the disease has come in a stronger wave this year as apposed to the last few years. The symptoms are getting worse and more people are being hospitalized. However this article is encouraging to nervous teens like me. Its worth it to get vaccinated for the sake of others. Its easy to forget that getting vaccinated not only protects you but it also can prevent transmitting this deadly disease to people around me. Getting vaccinated keeps people in school, at work, and out of the hospital; which during flu season is the last place you want to be.
Image: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Article: http://www.bizjournals.com/portland/blog/health-care-inc/2014/01/hey-you---yeah-you---get-your-flu.html
Image: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Article: http://www.bizjournals.com/portland/blog/health-care-inc/2014/01/hey-you---yeah-you---get-your-flu.html
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Actually just today I got vaccinated. I had been meaning to do so for a long time but kept forgetting. But recently it does seem that more and more cases of the flu have been arising. Having gotten the yearly flu in the past I did not want to experience it again. I know many people prefer to not get vaccinated for a variety of reasons however I agree with you that the benefits really do outweigh the risks. The flu can be easily spread and sometimes disguised as the common cold. I would advise anyone, even this late in the season, to get vaccinated, especially with this spike in cases showing up across the country. Like you said not only is protecting yourself but it protects those around you.
ReplyDeleteI agree that vaccination is very important, especially for H1N1. It is highly contagious and dangerous; I got sick with it twice in 2011 (I think) and my little brother got a severe, life-threatening case and was hospitalized for 5 days. Even if you are not so sick that you need medical attention, having a flu is never fun so preventing it is one of the best choices you can make this winter. Also, there is the option of the flu mist where it goes up your nose; no needles and no pain. Much better than being sick!
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