PSA for the Flu shot: I know many of you don't get the shot and you say "Well i don't get the flu, i don't need the shot".
Let me submit something for your consideration: What you attribute to your clean living or robust immune system may indeed just be the result of the herd immunity that you are benefiting from without contributing to it.
Food for thought.
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Flu cases are down to 5% of normal in an average year because so many people are observing better hygiene practices, so probably this year a flu shot is not necessary.
@hartfire We noticed this trend at the clinic I work at as well, which is a good thing as it's definitely taught the public to be aware of and take action regarding hygiene practices. The city conveniently administers injections via drive through which has been bringing them in like clockwork. I took the Flublok Quadrivalent to combat this year's double-barreled respiratory virus season with COVID and flu types A-H1N1/H3N2, B-Washington/Phuket. If your company pays for it, go for it.
@DudeistPriest For people working on the frontline, aged or immunocompromised, I think that kind of thorough vaccination is essential. I'm retired, healthy, and live an isolated rural life, so my risks, apart from age, are very low.
@hartfire Yes, by all means stay home as much as you can until the virus has passed. I've lived in rural areas for many, many years myself and know what you're going through but believe me, you don't want to catch this one. Unfortunately, I have at least two comorbidities and take every precaution, every time and that can become tiring - but it's worth it. This will pass.
Spoke today with a younger Scribe for one of the doctors who came back today after being out for three weeks with, you guessed it, Covid-19. Didn't even have the courtesy to put on her mask that was right there on her desk while I was helping her out with her computer issue. I remember those days when you think mostly about yourself and you're going to live forever. What I've learned is, again take every precaution and you should be alright, and offer them a mask - no one turns that down.
@DudeistPriest What a relief you tested negative! :)
And that doctor behaving like that - and after having had it herself! There must be something seriously wrong with her thinking to do that. They do say that survival from severe episodes has unpredictable after effects, including damage to some organs, heart, lungs, liver, kidneys or brain. Far more commonly after even mild attacks, six months or more of fatigue and brain fog.
@hartfire I handed her a mask and she basically came to. The new medical director wears a mask only now and then as well. You would think these people are in a position to be responsible and have their act together with everything that's going on. I guess having an education doesn't make you smart.
@DudeistPriest Smart versus education. There's a quandary. I do think a good education helps people learn how to think. But the trouble is not everyone continues to use the skills after they leave uni - and the brain atrophies as easily as muscles if not used.
There's such a lot that I don't understand. Over here in Australia, we haven't been as badly affected. But in places where the pandemic hit, almost everyone wore masks, practiced social distancing, and willingly complied with the phases of lockdown, testing, tracing, isolation and quarantine. Every case has been traced to the few who ignored the regulations. From what I hear on the news, it seems that in the US wearing a mask or not is considered by some to be a political statement! And by others, not wearing one is somehow an assertion of the right to free choice! It blows my mind. Surely the proviso of causing no harm is built into the credo of libertarianism. When did freedom at the expense of others become a right?
