Shots can stem increase in flu deaths

At first, it seemed mystifying that flu-related deaths in the United States now claim more lives each year than AIDS.

Flu deaths, statistics tell us, now average about 36,000 individuals a year, up from 20,000 in previous estimates. One statistic that is cause for concern is that only about 65 percent of older Americans get flu shots. Annual flu shots have been recommended for people 65 and older since the 1960s.

The lesson here is easy. We all have loved ones who are getting older. Many senior citizens may not see the value in a shot to ward off something as seemingly innocuous as the flu. We should make it our mission to inform them and get them vaccinated.

No one should assume that a few days of flu will always end with a full recovery. Flu shots are a proven way to prevent health complications and, as the statistics show, far too many deaths.