Not just you: There are some people who have reasons, but shots save lives

It seems that getting a flu shot should be a personal choice -- if you don't want the flu, get the shot.

But the problem with ignoring the warnings and going your own way when it comes to this vaccination is that the decision not to take the shot could have consequences.

Flu makes for a tough recovery, but in the long run, it is just an inconvenience for a young, healthy person. But for an elderly person, someone whose immune system is compromised like a hospital or nursing home patient or a child, a flu infection could be deadly.

And it is not worth the risk.

Flu spreads like wildfire this time of year, with schools and churches and anywhere else people congregate the incubation grounds.

Washing your hands helps, as well as using hand sanitizer and covering your mouth when you sneeze, etc.

But in the end, a two-second shot, that's free, by the way, could save a life.

If you have a moral or religious issue, that's different. But if you are just a scaredy cat, or too busy, think twice.

It is a small sacrifice to make.

Published in Editorials on January 3, 2013 10:39 AM