Why you need a flu shot, now.

It's flu shot time, now.  In spite of the genreral anxiety about a world avian flu epidemic one day (year?) soon,  Influenza A can still do a lot of damage, especially to older people, the sick, and children.  So, everyone over 50 should have their shot befor the end of October, if possible.  Vaccination has been shown to prevent up to 40% of the likely deaths from flu and flu-related pneumonia, as well as 30% of hospitalizations for flu.

The only reasons for NOT having a flu shot are:

- having certain allergies, especially to eggs

- having aserious illness such as pneumonia

- having a high fever

- being pregnant

Before deciding "no", however, do ask your doctor. 

Some people make elaborate excuses to avoid having a flu shot:

"I never get the flu".  Actually, no one is likely to be immune to this year's strain of the virus.

"I always have a bad reaction to a flu shot".  Apart from very rare reactions that can occur in some people who are alllergic to eggs, side effects from the flu shot are extremely unlikely.  The organism used for the vaccine has been killed, so you won't get flu from the injection.

"I can't afford it".  It's true that some pharmaices and doctor's offices charge $20-$30 for a shot, but most cities have not-for-profit hospitals that provide free flu shot clinics.

"I don't have time!"  30 minute spent getting a shot is better than 4 days sick in bed.

"If I get the flu, I'll take a tablet". The available drugs - amantadine and rimantadine - only shorten the duration of symptoms by 2-5 days, IF they're taken on days 1 to 2 of the illness.  Even worse news - as many as 15% of Influenza A strains are resisitant to these drugs. 

So, don't delay, or rue the day . . .

Here's a relevant page: What to Do for Colds and Flu