The CDC has reported that this flu season is off to an aggressive start with 22 states reporting unusually high rates. They even went as far as to declare it an “epidemic.” While most flu seasons gain “epidemic” status it is uncommon for it to happen so early in the season. Contributing to this example of contagious diffusion is a flu strand that is more aggressive than usual and a low number of people receiving the flu vaccination.
While most people don’t consider having the flu to be much more than a few days in bed the reality is that it kills thousands of people around the world each year. The worst flu strand on record lasted from 1918-1920 and killed approximately 4% of the world’s population. While it is highly unlikely that this year’s flu would reach global pandemic levels those most vulnerable to the extreme effects of the flu are the elderly, infants, and people with weakened immune systems. So if you haven’t already, get your flu shot. If it keeps you from getting sick or at the very least shortens the duration of the flu it will be a few dollars well spent. In most communities there are locations where they give the shot away for free.