Should I Fear The Flu?

Should I Fear The Flu?

Over the years, there have been many people who have died from the flu. Preventing it's spread was impossible in previous years, but these days we have many things to combat the illness. Flu shots are the main weapon, but information and communication are equally effective in reducing the flu's wrath. Years ago there were no medical innovations in preventing the flu as people were essentially helpless to prevent or cure the virus. Currently though, we have far less of a fear to fear from the flu virus than our predecessors had. Here are some good points to ease your mind as to our current influenza situation.

Point One: Medical Advancements.
In the past, there have been deaths as a result of the flu. The illness itself brought on many other complications with it like pneumonia. But with advancements in medical science, the victims of influenza today needn't worry quite as much. Pneumonia can be treated successfully for the most part, as well as the flu that may have caused it. Usually the only exceptions are people who have underlying medical conditions or who are elderly. Older persons, and for example AIDS patients, (those with weakened immune systems), sometimes are vulnerable to complications from the flu. Despite this though, the medical field has made great progress toward giving even these individuals hope when contracting influenza.

Point Two: The Wonder Of The Flu Shot
A second reason to not fear getting the flu is the advent of the flu shot and also the nasal spray vaccine. With these methods there are viable means of preventing the virus. In the past, there was no way to anticipate what strains would infect the populace. Combine this with the fact that there was no method by which the virus could be prevented, and you can understand why the people of this era would fear getting the flu. Today, however, there are vaccines that will greatly reduce, if not completely eliminate your chances of contracting influenza. There is the traditional shot in the arm and also a nasal spray form of the vaccine. Many scientists and researchers worldwide develop flu vaccines each year. Their main goal is to determine which strains of the flu have the potential to be the most dangerous and target the vaccine toward these. This may not be100% effective, but generally reduces the flu threat overall.

Point Three: Improved Health
Essentially people are in better health overall these days. With this, they are more able to defend themselves against the flu, and other viruses as well. When examining the longevity statistics, people today tend to live to an average age into their eighties or nineties as opposed to the sixties of our grandparent's era. This is a significant point, to say the least. Overall people seem to be taking better care of themselves. They are utilizing more balanced diets, and combine exercise to improve their healthy lifestyles. Being healthier, the flu most likely won't have as devastating of an effect on someone and the chances for a speedier recovery is possible.