I have been very hit or miss regarding flu vaccines in the past.  Occasionally, I'll get a vaccination for the seasonal flu (three times over the last ten years.)  I am one of the odd fellows that prefers to contract the disease and then get over it.  I prefer to stay away from anti-viral medications like tamiflu as well.

Why not get vacinated?  For the most part, vaccines for the flu haven't been very effective in the past.  If a virus doesn't kill you, you'll probably recover in 7 to 10 days anyway.

I also pay attention to morbidity numbers.  An incredibly large number of people die in the United States every year after contracting the flu.  (Which malady kills more people in the United States, influenza or automobile accidents?)

Another reason I don't bother with vaccines anymore?  I am worn out from reading about the panic du jour.  Hong Kong flu.  (Remember that?)  SARS.  Bird Flu.  St. Louis encephalitis.  West Nile.  Polio?  Yes I am old enough to remember the worry on my parents face in the summer time.  Salk vaccine was a God send for all parents in the deep south.  I simply remember loving the free sugar cube I was given at Morningview Elementary as a child.

There are diseases for which I choose to take a vaccination: mumps, measles, diptheria, polio, tetanus, pertusis and whatever else was required for school attendence.  There are other diseases I better be lucky enough to survive because I'm just not convinced the disease is worth all the hoopla.  H1N1 is one of those viruses I will chance.  Don't let this blog entry affect your decision, but I do advise you to research and read the facts.  Don't believe the gruel being put out by the popular press.