There are not many everyday residents who are on the distribution list for press releases and announcements from the Centers for Disease Control. Aside from media outlets and health-related organizations, the normal announcements from the CDC go unnoticed, as did the little announcement on Dec. 4 that has since become very true.
Early data suggests that the current 2014-2015 flu season could be severe. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) urges immediate vaccination for anyone still unvaccinated this season and recommends prompt treatment with antiviral drugs for people at high risk of complications who develop flu,” the CDC said in an issued release.
Since that time, now nearly 40 states have reported widespread flu activity and sadly, more than a dozen children have died due to the flu.
As school resumes next week in and around Vicksburg, there is little doubt there will be a few desks empty due to some students — and maybe even some teachers — who are battling the flu. And, the impact from the flu virus will have will undoubtedly get worse before it gets better.
What makes this announcement — and as a result this editorial — not newsworthy is the flu reaches widespread or epidemic levels just about every year. It is an illness that seems to find its way into every nook and cranny of every community and despite the best efforts of health organizations, countless thousands of Americans fall victim to the flu each and every year.
It is because the illness is so widespread and, with some segments of the public, potentially deadly, that the CDC, health organizations, insurance companies, doctors offices and even pharmacies make so readily available the flu vaccine. It is up to each of us whether or not we get the vaccine.
Yes, there are years — such as this year — that health officials admit the current flu vaccine is not as effective as it should be. But this one miscalculation is no excuse for not getting the shot each year and encouraging those you work with — or those in your family — to do the same.
Aside from fundamental hygiene steps, such as washing your hands and covering your mouth when you cough, can cut down on the spread of the illness, getting a shot remains the best defense.
As of the last report from the CDC, Mississippi and Louisiana are among the 22 states that reported the highest activity of flu-related illnesses and, it’s only early January.
From all of us, go get your shot.