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Experts advise flu shots, even for many healthy people
October 4, 1996
Web posted at: 11:55 p.m. EDTFrom CNN Correspondent Andrew Holtz
ATLANTA (CNN) -- Every year about this time, the call goes out for flu shots. Health officials worry most about people over 65 and those with chronic illnesses.
But what about the rest of us? Is it worth trading a moment's pain for insurance against getting knocked down with the flu.
While the flu claims about 20,000 lives in the United States each year, most young and healthy people face little danger. Still, health officials advise: Go ahead and get a flu shot.
"Flu can be devastating, even for people who are healthy. The recommendations suggest that you get a vaccination shot," said Dr. Keiji Fukuda of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
When it comes to healthy children, official guidelines don't make a recommendation.
"We have chosen not to vaccinate a normal, healthy child who's not exposed to elderly patients and who might otherwise weather an infection normally," said Dr. Major Reed of Atlanta's Piedmont Hospital.
The flu is relatively insignificant in the broad view of childhood health threats, experts say. And the vaccine can come with a downside: some people get a slight flu-like response from it.
CDC experts said they'd be concerned if everyone rushed out to get a flu shot, because that might deplete supplies needed for those in more serious danger.
But that's not likely to happen, so flu vaccine manufacturers said they aren't worried about meeting demand.
Young, healthy people can make their own decision about whether to get a shot. Health officials say they're most concerned about older or sicker people -- those most at risk for getting a disease that could kill them.
Related stories:
- Volunteers snort experimental flu vaccine - February 7, 1996
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