With H1N1 (aka Swine Flu) still making headlines because of vaccine shortages and the usual scramble to get a shot to ward off seasonal flu, the topic of flu in general is on everyone's mind these days. To get an idea of what folks in Loudon County are thinking on the subject the News-Herald on-line poll question for October asked "How important is it to get a flu shot this year?"

There were 158 on-line responses with 44 of the people responding saying that getting a flu vaccinated is "Very important. I plan to get both the seasonal and H1N1 shots" while 49 felt "It's a good idea to at least get the seasonal vaccine." A small number of people discounted vaccinating the public in general and responded that "sensitive groups should get one, but they aren't necessary for every person," while 52 people said, "I'm staying away from flu shots completely."

"I got the season flu shot," said Whitney Cardin of Lenoir City. While she did take steps to protect herself from the seasonal flu she is not sure if she will pursue a shot to protect her from H1N1. Becky Thompson of Lenoir City said she has already been vaccinated for the regular flu. "I think it's important," she said.

Bobby Mager of Madisonville said she was avoiding getting any kind of flu shot for herself, but both her parents get a shot every year. "I'm staying away," she reports. She said her reluctance to get a shot stems from the fact that last year, despite getting vaccinated, both her parents became ill - her mom with bronchitis and her dad with a bad case of the flu. She said intellectually she knows there is no reason to think a flu shot made them ill, but she is wary about any kind of vaccine for the flu.
Bob Wilkerson of Lenoir City said he thinks it's "very important" to get immunized. "I'll be getting both," he said.  Krissi Harvey of Lenoir City, herself a heath care worker, said, "Everyone should get one," when it comes to flu shots. In a classic case of "do as I say, not as I do" Harvey also reports she has not had a flu shot in 15 years.

In November the online poll asks readers if they believe it is too early for local politicians to begin campaigning for next year's elections. Share your opinion at www.news-herald.net.

mary.hinds@news-herald.net