Flu season is in full swing, but there’s still time to get a flu vaccine. You may think it’s too inconvenient or that this year’s vaccine isn’t as protective as it should be. Aaron E. Carroll, professor of pediatrics at the Indiana University School of Medicine, writes that the risk of dying from flu is higher than many realize. Plus, he says, it’s not about you. It’s about respecting those you love and those who love you.
Source: The Upshot, New York Times, January 15, 2018 (paywall)
In 2014, more than 57,000 people died of influenza/pneumonia. It was the eighth-most common cause of death behind diabetes (just under 80,000 deaths). It’s also the only cause of death in the top 10 that could be significantly reduced by a vaccine.
Adults need to get vaccinated to protect children and babies. They need to get vaccinated to protect older people and the immuno-compromised. This is true for almost all diseases, including the flu.
INSIGHTS: We constantly promote vaccinating livestock and pets to prevent disease. Let’s put that advice to work and keep ourselves vaccinated.