Should we get flu shots

[FourFlans]

The emergency medical services folks here in NC are really worried about the spread of the avian flu to humans, and also the real possibility of a flu pandemic.

I'm working with them on other issues relating to emergency planning for long-term care, and this subject came up during conversation. I asked the question was this a real threat or just a "political" scare? They said it was very serious and they are conducting statewide drills in January.

 

[Nancyg56]

My DD mentioned this yesterday, and I was hoping that she was incorrect. Should have known better. She seldom repeats things unless she is comfortable with her information.

 

[tlbwriter]

The 1918 Spanish Flu killed 2.5% of the people who got it.

And that was still 25 to 50 million people.

The H5N1 strain of the avian flu that humans are now getting from birds is killing about 50% of those infected.

Yes, and not the ones generally considered at risk. Deaths from H5N1 are not limited to the very young, very old, and chronically ill.