Worried About Dying from the Flu? Should You be?

A panel of federal vaccine advisers recommends for all children between six months and 18 years old to get a yearly immunization against influenza. The panel unanimously agreed for the new recommendations to be carried out as soon as possible. The motivation for the new recommendation is that 22 children have died from this year’s flu, so far, compared to last year’s 68 children. The virus usually affects between 5 and 20 percent of the population, and kills around 36,000 Americans a year. Of course, those terminal cases are usually made up of the elderly. Babies between 6 months and 2 years of age are especially at risk, although only 20% were vaccinated last year. It is also recommended for all over the age of 50 to get an annual flu vaccine.

I am one of the millions who are not receiving the flu vaccine (I haven’t gotten it yet, knock on wood). I think it’s great for those who do, and I may very well get one next year to be more sure of avoiding some sick days. However, I would not worry about death. 22 children this year? That is quite sad, and all of my sympathies go to their lost lives and their grieving families, but that number truly is a low mortality rate. I think it would be far more productive to focus on the 35,978 deaths, if we want to worry about saving lives, and that is primarily the elderly. Of course, I think it is excellent that children are recommended to be vaccinated, and I sincerely hope that enough flu shots are available, as we should take every precaution over a preventable death. I just think that the real epidemic here is fear. Most likely, your not going to die, nor is anyone you know, from the flu. Sure get the shot to prevent some icky times or just as a precaution, but don’t let yourself worry about it.

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