A "Death from Flu" Statistic

[Melora]

This is supposed to help you feel better and not panic about the recent flu deaths....not sure it will but here goes...

Do you know how many people die of the flu in any given year?

36,000!!!! Yes that is absolutely correct. In any year about 36,000 people die from the flu and complications associated with it. I have found that statistic in several (reliable) places.

This year it is starting earlier than the regular season and young children have died right off so that makes news, but in truth the flu this year probably wont kill more people than it has in previous years. Every year many many young kids die of the flu. Your chances of dying from the flu this year are about the same as any other year.

Unfortunately we are not always aware of things happening in the world (such as how many people die of the flu) and when it gets brought to the forefront its rather shocking!

Im not saying not to take care, Im not saying this isnt bad, Im just saying that we shouldnt panic because the flu has always been a killer, its just this year we are hearing more about it.

 

[snoopy]

I kind of figure it like this, if God has plans for me to die from the flu, no amount of worrying or washing my hands is gonna change that fact.

 

[cati]

Snoopy, I am with you.

 

[Robinrs]

Thanks, Melora.

I've known this for years and now it gets mega press.

I posted on another thread that a very good lifelong friend of mine died of complications of the flu back in 1991. Since then I made sure that all of my loved ones, especially those with other complications, were protected.

There is no need to panic, just be careful, like with anything. Snoops, you put it the best way.

I have a friend who is afraid to leave her house because of the flu. It's more than sad.

 

[Michelemouse]

Another interesting fact...

The flu outbreak in the US was at epedemic status for 11 weeks in the 2000-2001 season and for 15 weeks the year before that. So all of the recent talk of a coming epedemic is also nothing new.

 

[ez]

at the time, had the media nationwide focusing on the flu. After Sadaam was caught, there has been a big drop in flu coverage on the news.

 

[Ellester]

It's like all the shark attack stories the summer before 9/11/01. The news was slim, so lets get everyone all panicy about swimming in the ocean.

 

[DocRafiki]

I think you're all forgetting the fact that the flu vaccine is not going to work that well this year. Isn't that the big difference between this year and the rest?