Prepare for flu season; get a flu shot

Not enough people get the flu vaccine, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and we think more people — especially the young, old and vulnerable — should.

The vaccine is important not only because it keeps people active, healthy and working, but also because it saves lives.

Each year, the flu kills about 36,000 Americans and sends about 200,000 to the hospital.

In North Dakota last year, the CDC said about 39 percent of the children under age 2 were vaccinated along with 33 percent of the young people ages 18 to 49 who were at risk and 73 percent of those ages 65 and older.

People at risk include anyone with chronic conditions like asthma or heart disease or any condition that weakens the immune system. People who live or work in close areas — like a college dorm room, elementary classroom or health care facility — are at risk as well.

The CDC recommends all children age 6 months to 18 years and all adults over 50 years receive the vaccine, which is administered both by shot or nasal spray. Medicare covers the full cost.

While the weather is still fall-like, prepare for winter and the beginning of flu season. Get vaccinated.

(Editorials are the opinion of Jamestown Sun management and the newspaper’s editorial board)

Tags: healthcare, fly, influenza, vaccine