Time for Flu Shots

“Chain letters are the postal equivalent of intestinal flu: you get it and pass it along to your friends”
-Bob Garfield

A friendly reminder, get your flu shot! Many health plans cover the cost and some pharmacies like CVS will have low cost flu shoot events. Having the flu is nothing to sneeze at. During a typical year in the United States, 20,000 to 50,000 persons die as a result of influenza viral infection. About 5-10% of hospitalizations for influenza lead to fatal outcome in adults.

The flu is like a super-bully of a cold. There is extreme exhaustion and total misery. I came down with the flu at a Square Dance Convention in Vermont. Then my wife and a traveling companion got it the next day. Fortunately his wife did not get sick and drove us all home. There is no way those of us who were sick were in any condition to drive.

Bottom Line

If you're still not sure if you have the flu, here's a comparison of symptoms with the common cold.

Cold Symptoms
Slow onset.
No prostration.
Fever Headache is rare.
Runny nose, Sneezing.
Mild Fatigue.
Cough, chest discomfort.
Sore Throat.

Flu Symptoms
Swift, severe onset.
Prominent Prostration.
Flushed, hot moist skin.
102-104 degree temp.
Chills, body aches.
Extreme fatigue,
can last 2-3 weeks.
Cough, sore throat.