The flu

Have you ever had the flu?

Having the flu, or some type of the flu impact your health is not a pleasant experience. So much so, that those infected by influenza have little deterrence from getting a flu shot the following year. There is controversy over the flu shot. The flu shot is something that is somewhat controversial in terms of its overall impact on one’s long-term health. Whether it’s how the vaccine is packaged, what is present in the flu shot itself, or that it might not be good for your immune system, are all factors for people not wanting the flu shot. In early fall there are signs adorning multiple pharmacies and health clinics advertising flu shots. Even this being the case, many people decide for one reason or the other, to avoid getting a flu shot. The message is confusing, even for someone well aware of the recommendation from public health authorities that everyone over six months old should get a flu vaccine unless there’s a medical reason to avoid it. Dr. Edward Belongia, is an epidemiologist at the Marshfield Clinic Research Foundation, and he still strongly encourages everyone to get their flu vaccine. The CDC recommends a flu vaccine every year because the body’s immune response prompted by vaccination declines over time, and flu viruses change from year to year. Even with this powerful information, there are still unclear reasons why people decide not to get vaccinated. In conclusion, I hope I’ve shed some light on my position with the flu shot. I’ve basically highlighted that there is a controversy, and showcased that the data with which these decisions are made could be faulty.