Monday, January 23, 2012

Don’t Want The Sniffles?




Our group decided to place the public health sticker on a sign informing the public about the flu vaccination. The sign was located outside of the Walgreens off Fletcher Avenue. We chose this location because it was not only very convenient for the group but also any one else in the USF area. The sign was very bright and noticeable with a mix of red and white colors that could easily catch the public’s eye and it served it’s purpose by reminding us that it was flu season and making us question whether or not we should get the flu shot.

The sign represents a public health issue because without the flu vaccination the virus would become easily communicable from one person to another and it could possibly become an epidemic. The flu vaccine is a primary form of prevention from the flu. Overall the sign is a constant reminder that the flu can be easily prevented with the proper actions. So it represents a public health issue by not only promoting good health but preventing disease as well.

The issue is important because when you contract the flu virus you are harming not only yourself, but also potentially harming other individuals. The virus lowers you immune system so you may become more susceptible to other infections. Infants and the elderly are at a higher risk of feeling the more harmful effects of the flu due to their compromised immune system. Most importantly the flu is very easy to acquire and to transmit to others. Many people don’t realize how something as simple as getting a flu shot can improve the public’s health.



Group Members
Megan Heron
Jessica Kline
Cherlie Sterling
Alexandria Westcarr
Andreshia

3 comments:

  1. Flu shots are definately public health, and you guys make a good point about the importance of infant and elderly flu shots. In microbiology we discussed flu shots a lot and they are a bit controversial as to the importance in the science community because many people feel they can't get the flu if they have gotten flu shots, like a vaccine. But the flu shot each year is actually based on the most prevalent strain of the flu virus the previous year. Some scientists argue that because the most prevalent strain of the flu one year is almost never the most prevalent strain the next year that flu shots are misleading. I wonder if the public health community is split as well?

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  2. I agree with the group and also with Aimee, I also took microbiology and I remember talking and reading all about that stuff too. The flu shot is always an issue in one way or another, but its better to be safe than sorry. I think it is a great idea that local places in the community our offering to do flu shots and you don't have to make appointments at the doctors every time. It is convenient and a great idea to have awareness out in the community about it.

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  3. Flu shots are a fast and easy way to prevent the spread of the flu virus. I think that it is great that Walgreens provides this service because it is much easier to go there instead of making an appointment with a doctor. Also, if it is easier to get the vaccine, then more people will most likely get it. Other places, such as health departments also make it easy and inexpensive to get the vaccine, which makes the health of the population better as a whole.

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