Reply #80: Come on...

[Dorian Gray]

I'm a healthy adult, and I've never been vaccinated in my life. I don't know people who have been, other than relatives who are older or sick. None of my friends have ever had a flu vaccine, and I think that the worry about the flu is overstated for the general healthy population in the USA.

There have even been news reports that there is now a surplus in certain areas for the vaccine, so if you haven't had the flu yet, and you want to get the vaccine, try your doctor again to ask where you can find the vaccine in your area.

The flu sucks for most people, but it's not going to kill you if you are healthy. If you are older or unhealthy, then as soon as the first symptoms hit, go to your doctor. They will help you keep hydrated and give you medicine to bring the fever down.

I don't feel the panic that others seem to feel about the flu, though. I truly am saddened for those who will have a really hard time with it this year, and those are the people I am worried about. Anybody with AIDS and other immune system deficiencies I worry about. Those who are struggling with cancer and other terminal illnesses who might fall victim to the flu, my heart goes out to. Those who are old and infirm. They are the ones we need to focus on, and the doctors need to focus on their needs first.

As for myself, if I get the flu this year (it would be the first time in over 15 years!), I will suffer through it, in pain, like many other people. I am not too worried about it, though. It sucks, but I can handle it without worrying too much about it beforehand.