Flu shots will keep you well
In the past 4 years, we have seen a major change in the landscape of influenza. The arrival of H1N1 in San Diego in March 2009 was followed by an epidemic across the country. Just as in the worldwide pandemic of 1918, the disease infected a younger age group than had traditionally been involved. For example, pregnant women, middle-aged farmers, young nurses and doctors were affected to a high degree. In addition, the regular flu continued to spread.
For that reason the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has recommended that everyone in the country receive the flu vaccine. The new formulation has been released for general use in the autumn of 2013 and includes protection against standard flu (two types from Australia) plus H1N1 (formerly known as “swine flu”).
Everyone should receive a flu shot this year. THIS MEANS YOU. The only exception is babies under 6 months. Flu shots do not make you sick; instead, they can keep you from developing influenza. They are also free or very inexpensive, depending on your insurance plan. Certainly they are far more economical than the cost of a visit to your doctor or the emergency room, a prescription and lost time from work or school. Plan now to obtain your vaccine.
Donald R. Graham, M.D., F.A.C.P.