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Most people nowadays have become skeptical of the need for flu vaccines. The majority of the population don't get flu on a yearly basis, and are usually better after a few days rest. People who easily get the vaccine may say it's not needed. Unfortunately, this growing complacency of the vaccine may put you and your community at an unwarranted greater risk.

You cannot afford to be oblivious to influenza's reputation as a killer disease, which strikes thousands every year, even among developed countries. The few who don't recover immediately from the flu are at grave risk. The 1918 flu outbreak, previously called the Spanish flu, became a worldwide epidemic with an approximate death toll of 20 to 100 million. Outbreaks in the 50s and 60s also claimed millions, though in dramatically smaller numbers.

More recent outbreaks like the bird flu pandemic and the current H1N1 outbreak were more capably restrained, thanks to development of the vaccine that began in the 30s. The vaccine has proven effective in halting the spread of seasonal flu, but not 100 %. This is because divergent strains of the flu come out every season, and current vaccines aren't able to cover them all. People who get the vaccine can still get the flu, but will have a stronger resistance to it. Drug companies are currently in a race to develop the first flu vaccine to cover all strains.

The people at strongest risk for influenza, and therefore the first who should receive flu vaccines, are older people, children, pregnant women, people with recurring medical conditions and people who work in medical care, especially in care of the abovementioned. People who are prohibited from taking the vaccine include those allergic to the vaccine or to chicken eggs (since the vaccine is made in chicken eggs), liable to get Guillain-Barre syndrome, or too impaired by prior medical conditions.

There are two ways to get the vaccine; via flu shot, which has dead flu cells, or nasal spray, which provides a weakened version of the virus. Both will not give you the flu, although nasal spray may give you flu-like symptoms. To be on the safe side, nasal spray is usually provided to people at lower risk.

Today, we have been able to successfully stop the transmission of both seasonal and new strains of influenza. Sustained use of flu vaccines is needed to maintain control of this disease, as well as to find a way to eventually annihilate it.