Get the Facts: Get Your Flu Shot Now

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the importance of flu vaccinations, the misconceptions surrounding them, and the potential benefits of receiving both flu and pneumonia vaccines. Participants share personal experiences, historical context, and varying opinions on vaccination practices, including the implications for public health and individual health decisions.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Debate/contested
  • Technical explanation
  • Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants highlight the significant number of flu-related deaths and hospitalizations in previous seasons, emphasizing the role of vaccines in reducing severity and risk.
  • Others suggest that the pneumonia vaccine is also important, particularly for vulnerable populations, and discuss its potential benefits in mitigating illness severity.
  • A participant recounts a personal story about how vaccinations influenced treatment decisions in a critical health situation.
  • Concerns are raised about widespread misconceptions, with some participants noting that many Americans mistakenly believe flu vaccines can cause the flu.
  • Some participants share personal experiences with vaccine reactions, weighing the risks of mild side effects against the potential severity of flu illness.
  • There is a discussion about the historical impact of influenza pandemics, with references to the 1917-18 pandemic and its lasting effects on populations.
  • Participants express differing views on the timing of vaccinations, with some arguing it is never too late to get vaccinated, while others feel they may have missed the opportunity.
  • There is mention of the H1N1 flu variant and its historical context, along with a discussion on how flu variants can emerge from animal populations.
  • Some participants advocate for the pneumococcal vaccines, citing CDC recommendations and the increased risk for certain demographics.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree on the importance of vaccinations but express differing views on personal vaccination choices, the timing of vaccinations, and the implications of vaccine reactions. There is no consensus on the best approach to vaccination, as opinions vary widely based on personal experiences and beliefs.

Contextual Notes

Some discussions include assumptions about individual health risks and the effectiveness of vaccines, which may not be universally applicable. The conversation reflects a range of personal experiences and interpretations of health data, with no definitive resolution on the best practices for vaccination.

Who May Find This Useful

This discussion may be of interest to individuals considering flu and pneumonia vaccinations, healthcare professionals, and those looking to understand public perceptions and personal experiences related to vaccination practices.

  • #31
Greg Bernhardt said:
UK has flu rate at 21 per 100k
https://www.theguardian.com/society...gps-under-huge-pressure-as-deaths-soar-to-120

USA has flu rate of 27 per 100k
https://www.cdc.gov/flu/weekly/index.htm

So where are you getting your data?
But this is not representative of the typical flu level over the years. If it were an experiment, the 2017-2018 level you are quoting and matching with the US would be a far outlier for the UK. Is 27 per 100,000, the typical level?
 
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  • #32
BWV said:
15k flu deaths in the UK. UK population is roughly 20% of US so within a few percentage points of the same mortality rate.

https://www.google.com/amp/s/www.te...level-40-years-experts-blame-ineffective/amp/
This is not representative of the flu level in the UK over the years. If, fact in this very article you quote it says its at least double the level of what it should normally be. So is this the typical level in the US or was there an epidemic? Because the UK would then typically have have half or less of the flu related deaths than the US, relative to population size.
 
  • #33
JamesPhD said:
Is 27 per 100,000, the typical level?
You're the one claiming it is not, can you back that up? :smile:
 
  • #34
JamesPhD said:
This is not representative of the flu level in the UK over the years. If, fact in this very article you quote it says its at least double the level of what it should normally be. So is this the typical level in the US or was there an epidemic? Because the UK would then typically have have half or less of the flu related deaths than the US, relative to population size.

The OP referred to US deaths from a bad flu season, not a typical level
 

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