Buzz
Flu season is in full swing, and anyone eligible should get vaccinated if they haven’t already.
You might argue, 'The flu shot isn’t 100% effective, so why bother?' or 'Even if I catch the flu, it’s not a big deal,' or 'It’s already February—isn’t it too late?' Well, you should still get it!
Why? First, you’re mistaken—our health editor Beth Skwarecki explains, 'Flu vaccines are effective and a smart way to lower your risk of getting sick this winter.' But more importantly, it’s not just about you!
If you won’t do it for yourself, do it for kids and older adults, as Aaron E. Carroll highlights in The New York Times.
The flu, or influenza, is highly contagious. It can spread through coughs, sneezes, or even conversations from up to six feet away. You can transmit the virus a day before symptoms appear and up to a week after falling ill. Children can remain contagious for even longer.
Carroll notes that because the flu is so widespread, its severity is often overlooked. In 2014, over 57,000 people died from influenza or pneumonia, making it the eighth-leading cause of death, surpassing diabetes. Two-thirds of these deaths were among the elderly, while children under five were hospitalized at twice the rate of adults under 50, according to the Times.
Now, think about this:
During the 2015-2016 flu season, the
C.D.C. estimated
that the flu vaccine prevented over five million flu cases, approximately 2.5 million doctor visits, and more than 70,000 hospitalizations. It also saved an estimated 3,000 lives.
Receiving a flu vaccine drastically reduces your chances of dying or transmitting the virus to someone who might. If you’re not motivated to get vaccinated for your own sake, consider the impact on children and the elderly. “Vaccination isn’t just about self-protection,” Carroll emphasizes. “It’s also about safeguarding those who are vulnerable.”
Additionally, federal law mandates that flu shots be fully covered by insurance without copays or coinsurance. For those without insurance, affordable options are available, though location and accessibility may pose challenges.
In short, don’t act selfishly—get your flu shot.
