by Constance Keasler

Created on: June 20, 2009   Last Updated: June 21, 2009

Influenza, the flu, is a contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses. Influenza kills more than 36,000 people and hospitalizes 200,000 others each year in the United States. Throughout the world annual epidemics cause about 250,000 to 500,000 deaths.

Because it is a contagious disease the flu is nothing to sneeze about. If it were why would government authorities and medical organizations post so many warnings recommending flu shots? Can the Center for Disease Control, the Department of Health and Human Services, the World Health Organization, the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Disease and the Mayo Clinic be wrong?

The most compelling arguments are found in the Faces of Influenza campaign launched by the American Lung Association. Kristi Yamaguchi, Olympic Gold Medalist, is the national spokesperson. Mike Quick former NFL player's personal story is featured.

The National Foundation for Infectious Diseases is so concerned about children getting immunized for flu that they established the Childhood Influenza Immunization Coalition.

What is the common advice from all of these groups and what action is recommended? The best way to prevent the spread of influenza is to get vaccinated every year.

If immunized the chances of getting sick and passing it on to someone else are reduced 70%-90%. The flu vaccine can prevent 66% or more influenza infections in young children, with even higher estimates for older children.

Although the flu vaccine is not 100% guaranteed doctors say that immunized people don't get as sick or develop complications. Don't believe the myth that the vaccine itself makes people sick, a sore arm is the only possible sickness related to the shot.

The CDC states, "A less than perfect vaccine is still the best protection we have against influenza".

Being vaccinated doesn't have to mean the vaccine is given with a needle. There is a nasal-spray flu vaccine that is approved for use in healthy people 2-49 years of age who are not pregnant.

Then there are anitviral drugs available by prescription. These medications are typically used to prevent or shorten the duration of the Influenza virus. They are used as a back-up to immunization not a substitute. They fight against the flu by keeping the virus from reproducing in the body and are often prescribed for someone in close contact with an infected person.

Cost is no excuse for not getting immunized, most insurance companies pay and there are free immunizations. It is proven that people miss many days of work from being sick with the flu. Help prevent the spread of influenza, get a yearly flu shot.

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