US on track for one of the worst flu seasons in decades

[Gefn]

CNN) — This flu season is shaping up to be one of the worst in decades, according to the United States' top infectious disease doctor.

Dr. Anthony Fauci, director of the National Institute of Allergies and Infectious Diseases, said while it's impossible to predict how the flu will play out, the season so far is on track to be as severe as the 2017-2018 flu season, which was the deadliest in more than four decades, according to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

"The initial indicators indicate this is not going to be a good season -- this is going to be a bad season," Fauci said.

https://www.cnn.com/2020/01/03/health/flu-week-52/index.html

[Applewood]

I've been watching local news reports on this flu season.  Looks like there have been about 2,000 confirmed cases and several deaths in this region. 

After a cardiac arrest, the doctor ordered me to get a flu shot every year.  Now that I'm over 65, I get the extra strength version.  Not taking any chances.  A good buddy of mine has always been in good health otherwise, so he always blew off the vaccine -- till he almost died from the flu back in early 2018.  Now he gets the shot every year and goes around pestering others to do the same.

[truth_seeker]

If it bleeds, it leads.

Now nearly everything, is made ut to bleed.

So the media will just go ahead, and try to scare people, everyday about everything.

"said while it's impossible to predict how the flu will play out,"

[Applewood]

If it bleeds, it leads.

Now nearly everything, is made ut to bleed.

So the media will just go ahead, and try to scare people, everyday about everything.

"said while it's impossible to predict how the flu will play out,"

No question this is a major promo for the flu vaccine.  I believe in the vaccine even though it usually is considered maybe 50% or so effective.  Since I was ordered to get the shot in 2008, I've either escaped the flu entirely or had a minor illness. 

Everyone has to make their own choices on this subject, however.   And there are some people who can't take the vaccine because they suffer bad reactions to it. 

[Applewood]

A local story which may be of interest.  Allegheny County's first reported flu death (90 year old woman with existing health issues):

https://www.post-gazette.com/local/region/2020/01/08/1st-flu-death-in-Allegheny-County-reported/stories/202001080121

[truth_seeker]

Mitch McConnell says "be sure to get your polio vaccine"

[EdinVA]

The problem is, we are getting bombarded with the "or else you will die" hype for everything and folks are starting to ignore it...