Columns & Opinion, Uncategorized

Get your H1N1 flu shots now

Getting an H1N1 flu shot should be a no-brainer.

While the second wave of this pandemic is abating, there’s a good chance a third wave of this influenza could be on the way.

Dr. Michael Olsterholm, known world-wide for his work with diseases and bio-terroism, says he’s concerned because only half the people are getting the flu shot.

One reason, he says, is that these days up to 40 percent say they don’t believe what scientists and people in government.  He says they would rather take the word of a comedian.

Based on history of flu pendemics, there’s a chance there could be a third wave of the disease, Dr. Osterholm told members of the ECM Editorial Board recently.  He warned it could be more severe than the first two waves. “We could have a doozy of a third wave,” he said.

The leading health spokesperson  is quick to point out that he does not know if the disease will come through the state again.  It is hard to predict, he said.

He is sure the vaccine works and that it is safe, contrary to what some critics say.  He says there are zero serious adverse effects with the vaccine.

Dr. Olsterholm says once you are vaccinated, you won’t get the disease.  Once vaccinated, it will take seven to 12 days to build up the immunity.

As you ponder if you should get the H1N1 flu shot, it’s better to be safe than sorry.

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