Is it just me or does it seem that the media has created some sort of flu-shot epidemic. With the recent reports of school aged children dying from the common flu, it seems like the public is in a mad panic to find flu shots.
Everywhere I turn I'm seeing reports of kids dying from the flu. Channel 4, 5, 7, 13, and even the Seattle Times are reporting cases of children passing away from flu like symptons. When I watching the news the reporter ended his piece with a quick admittance that they couldn't be for sure if the child died from the flu or something else. One would think that they would really think about how they want to communicate these types of stories with the public. In my opinion I think the media has caused some scare for families. Last weekend at a public clinic in Bellevue, 2500 people showed up for free flu shots. The workers said they've never seen a crowd that comes close in comparison show up for flu shots and they've offered free flu shots for the past 5 years.
To not be sure why someone died, and to make a report that hits home with everyone that has kids, is potentially dangerous. You scare the heck out of everyone not knowing if you're assumptions are even accurate. I personally got my daughter a flu shot, but that's because she was a preemie and the doctor said she has too.
2 comments:
"A recent study reported in the Journal of the American Medical Association found that influenza deaths are increasing in the United States, causing up to 70,000 deaths per year, with significantly higher risk of complications and death in persons age 65 years and older. Health care workers and people who live or work with high-risk persons including the elderly also are encouraged to receive the influenza vaccine so that they do not pass influenza to those at high risk."
I think this is why the big push towards people who fall under the category of who needs a shot is on the rise.
I agree that there does seem to be much hype over receiving the flu shot. I have three kids and didn't feel the need to run out and get them. But, I suppose if they or I were susceptible to getting really sick, then I might consider it.
For many years I thought getting really sick with the flu was in older people in their 60's and up. That when the flu shot came the majority of the people getting them was those who were older. I don't know why children are needing the flu shots now. I wonder why the generation now needs them and not so much before. I guess if the shot is out there for everyone they should get it if they can afford it especially if they are young or old or people who have health problems. You'd rather be safe then sorry.
Post a Comment