Your doctor, your local hospital and the health department want you to get it so that you stay healthy and don't become a statistic in an illness or fatality report.
Your boss wants you to get it so that you remain productive and do not infect others at your workplace.
Your parents get it because they are older and their bodies can't fight illness the way they used to.
You make sure that your children get it because you don't want them to be sick and suffering.
So why don't you get it?
We are talking about flu shots.
They help to prevent you from getting influenza, an illness that is estimated to kill 3,000-49,000 Americans each year.
You know who you are. You are between 13-64 years old and likely have never had a severe case of influenza. You are healthy now, don't anticipate becoming seriously ill, and you figure that someone else will be the one to get a case of "killer flu."
Are you aware that influenza can lead to other illnesses such as pnuemonia?
During last year's flu season, nearly 6% of all local deaths were pnuemonia-related.
It's really easy to get a flu shot. You can go to your local drugstore, your doctor or your local health department.
Chances are that your insurance covers the cost. If you don't have insurance, the health department will give you the shot and charge a fee that is based on your ability to pay.
It only hurts for a minute compared to the days and possibly weeks that you could be affected by a case of the flu.
So now do you get it?
This message is brought to you by the Cuyahoga County Board of Health.
Please follow the link below to schedule an appointment with one of four flu clinics in Cuyahoga County.
