Back in my wilder, younger days, I used to never get the vaccine. Didn't think I needed it. Still don't, actually. I'm an otherwise healthy young adult. I can bounce back from the flu easy. It might take me out of commission for a day or two, but a few gallons of orange juice and Star Trek: Voyager on Netflix should get me back up and running in no time. Suffice it to say, I won't really be affected by it too much.

But my dad would have been. A few years ago he had been diagnosed with Stage 4 cancer, and I moved in with him to take care of him. Between the cancer itself and the chemotherapy, his immune system was severely compromised. At the urging of his doctors, both he and I received the flu vaccine. They said that if I don't, and come into contact with the virus, even if it doesn't affect me, it could very seriously affect him. Without hesitation I got the vaccination. And that's why you should, too.

A lot is made of washing your hands after coming into contact with communal surfaces, like doorknobs, public restrooms, light switches. You never know who previously touched it, and what they have. It works in reverse. Sure, the flu may not affect you, but there's a very real possibility of passing it along to someone who is immuno-compromised, or to someone who works with the immuno-compromised. You just never know what situations and scenarios you may encounter throughout flu season, and it's always best to err on the side of caution, for the sake everyone.

So I urge you to get the flu vaccine. Even if you've never had the vaccine, and likewise never (or seldom) had the flu. You could be an asymptomatic carrier, and unknowingly transmit the virus to someone who could suffer from major harm from the virus.

Most clinics, hospitals, pharmacies and doctors offices will have the vaccine (it's best to call and ask), but to find out where you can get the vaccine, just type in your zip-code on this site.

 

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