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There’s no excuse to ignore the flu

We’ve made it through November, December and January, so winter will soon be edged out by spring – but that doesn’t mean we’re in the clear for those common wintertime colds.

Viruses and illnesses tend to replicate when the air is cold and dry – plus, we’re all spending a lot more time packed indoors together. That means we’re all sharing the same breathing air and touching the same doorknobs, according to an article published by the Chicago Tribune last March.

In “The flu causes concern on campus” (page A1) Anthony Hermann, associate professor of psychology, is quoted saying, “You’re not just vaccinating to protect yourself; you’re vaccinating to protect everybody.”

This notion is called “herd immunity,” and the gist of it is this: staying healthy isn’t just about you. Getting the flu shot isn’t just about you.

We can count on one hand the most popular excuses as to why people don’t get flu shots: “I’ve never gotten the flu before,” “I got sick after the shot one time,” “I got the flu shot last year, so I don’t need it again this year.”

But the science is at our fingertips, and we don’t have time for excuses anymore.

At the end of the day, it’s ignorance, or pride or laziness. People don’t think about their peers with health conditions that weaken their immune systems. They don’t think about pregnant women, older adults or children, who are at higher risk of catching viruses from the people around them – and often experience more severe symptoms.

If that’s not enough for you, the whole process can be painless.

Scared of needles? There’s a nasal spray version. Worried about side effects? The vaccine contains a killed version of the virus, so any side effects that may occur will be limited and not severe, according to Piedmont Healthcare.

Out of excuses?

Then it’s time to schedule a flu shot.

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