So, the idea that we can get a shot that would, if not
ensure that we don't get the flu, significantly bring down
the possibility that we would. Because what I didn't know
was that between 20 and 60,000 people a year, typically
die from the flu in this country alone. Then I heard it is
typical that, between 140,000 to 810,000 people a year
are hospitalized due to flu. That low number, the 140,000
is because of last year, which basically was a nonexistent
flu season. But the fact is that it could be over 800,000
people hospitalized for complications of the flu every year
in the U.S. alone.
Gary Barg: Our immune systems aren't prepared for this
year's flu season which, from all intents and purposes is
going to be severe. That puts us behind the eight-ball. And
hospitals are overcrowded with people dealing with COVID.
So now, if you get a terrible case of the flu, and there is no
hospital bed for you, this could turn deadly, quickly.
Jennifer Grey: The fact is that they're turning people
away in many hospitals already in this country. The idea
that we could have flu season impact that even more
so, breaks my heart. The idea that we can do a simple
thing like get a shot that most people have gotten over
the years, and it will make a huge dent in the amount of
people who get the flu or suffer complications from the
flu. People over 50 like myself, and people with asthma,
heart disease, diabetes, pre-existing conditions are much,
much more vulnerable to complications.
Gary Barg: A lot of times that's our senior loved ones or
loved ones who are immunodeficient already.
Jennifer Grey: If you go to the Flu Shot Friday website,
you can do your own research.
Now is the best time to get the shot. I'm going to take my
daughter and my mom tomorrow, and then were going out
for lunch, a walk on the beach or to take the dogs out. Just
make some time for ourselves to enjoy the day, which is the
beautiful connection to Ferris Bueller which I love. That it's
the 35th anniversary of the film and it's really clever of them
to tie it in.
Gary Barg: Absolutely.
Jennifer Grey: The real, little story in that that movie is
that life moves pretty fast. If you don't get your flu shot, you
could miss it.
Gary Barg: You're making a celebration out of it. You're
you're going someplace fun, you're getting ice cream,
you're walking the dogs. You're also getting the flu shot,
so it creates a community between you and your loved
ones where getting the shot is just part of what what you
do. It's just part of the fun day you're having.
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