The following appeared in a San Jose Mercury News editorial:
Swine flu may sound funny, but it is no joke. The H1N1 strain invading the country has already proven deadly.
Just in case our point isn't obvious yet: Get a flu shot. Really. Now. Even if you're young and healthy, this strain is nothing to fool around with. Health officials say it appears similar to the one rampant in 2009. In that flu season, 284,000 people died worldwide.
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention report the flu is in full swing. The latest figures from the final week of 2013 show significant flu activity in 25 states, especially bigger ones like New York, Texas and Illinois.
Classic flu symptoms include aching body, fever, headache, sore throat, nasal congestion, runny nose and extreme sneezing. Anyone who has been afflicted with this particular strain knows those symptoms, which may sound like a common cold, manifest in exceptionally aggressive and uncomfortable ways. And did we mention they can kill?
In 2009, many did not get a flu shot because of a vaccine shortage. Vaccine is plentiful this year, and it's available at doctors' offices, hospitals, clinics and pharmacies. There is no good reason not to get a shot. At risk are older adults, children under 5 and anyone who has heart or lung disease, diabetes, asthma or who may be pregnant.
The CDC advises everyone to get a flu shot yearly and take additional preventive action by washing hands and avoiding sick people. It's important to know the signs of the flu and treat them, see a doctor and take all the medication prescribed.
Don't even think about treating this flu as something to "power through." It is neither heroic nor admirable to show up at work or school. It is stupid and inconsiderate.