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Article: Flu shots common-sense strategy for the elderly and chronically ill
- Article from:
- Sunday Gazette-Mail
- Article date:
- February 21, 1999
- Author:
CopyrightCopyright 1999 Sunday Gazette-Mail. Provided by ProQuest LLC. (Hide copyright information)
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SUNDAY GAZETTE-MAIL
Dr. Fred Kerns says flu shots are sort of like safety belts in
cars.
"You can take the flu shot and still get the flu," said Kerns.
"You can wear your seat belt and still get killed. But you're still
statistically better off for having done so."
Kerns, an infectious-diseases specialist for CAMC's local
hospitals, said flu shots may not be necessary for everyone. But
many people can benefit from a yearly vaccination.
Kerns said flu shots are cheap and widely available. "There are
so many people giving the vaccinations it's almost a crime not to
get
it," he said.
The flu - an achy, coughy, fevery malady that lasts about a week -
isn't usually dangerous in itself. But for ...