[kellynch]

FABULOUS book.

For some reason, Philadelphia was harder hit than any other American city. My mother's family is from Philadelphia, and several relatives died in that pandemic.

What is also strange about the 1918 flu is that younger people were hit hardest.

As for flu shots, they only work on the specific type of flu that the experts think is coming. You can still get other types of viruses, including other strains of influenza.

One thing to remember is that flu should not be taken lightly. Thousands of people still die from flu every year. Senior citizens and young children are considered to be high-risk, but people with respiratory problems (such as asthma) should get the shot too. I am high risk (I'm asthmatic) and I get a flu shot every year. I have not gotten a major flu since I started getting the shots.

[SunkenCiv]

Thousands of people still die from flu every year.

Yeah, that's very true. With our artificial immunities through vaccinations, and the marvey medications, we take a lot of things for granted that were definitely not to be taken lightly just a few generations ago.

[Bellflower]

When I was a child I and friends came down with the flu every so often. It was not fun but far from deadly. I wonder if this didn't build up our immunity system.