The flu hits town: Don t be a victim, there s still time for shots

The Associated Press reported yesterday that the annual winter flu has finally arrived in the United States, and it’s spreading rapidly. The ailment is especially prevalent now in New York City and Illinois and through a broad swath of the South extending from Alabama to Oklahoma.

Although the flu is responsible for 5,000 to 50,000 deaths in the U.S. each year, it is easily prevented through flu shots. Moreover, ACSH's Dr. Gilbert Ross notes, “The current flu vaccine coincides nicely with the flu variants circulating,” and so it should be particularly effective this year.

In addition, public health authorities report that they have an especially large batch of the vaccine prepared and stockpiled this winter. Regrettably, ACSH's Dr. Elizabeth Whelan says, “Many of the doses will end up being discarded and going unused. Yet, unlike the hysteria about chemicals in the environment, here through a simple action — getting vaccinated — we can save thousands of lives.”

Shots can be had not only through primary care doctors but also at most pharmacies and drug stores. Typically, these cost $20 to $30, although some are priced for as little as $14.99, and in most cases the expense is covered by insurance. Further, for those who would rather not get an inoculation, the FluMist vaccine is administered by nasal inhalation, and it can be taken by those aged two through forty-nine.

So, we at ACSH heartily beseech all our readers to go get your shots if you haven’t already!