Summary

Flu season is intensifying after a late start, with a 12% increase in positive tests and over 12,000 hospitalizations in the week ending December 21, according to the CDC.

So far, there have been 3.1 million flu illnesses, 37,000 hospitalizations, and 1,500 deaths, including nine pediatric fatalities. Activity is highest in the South and West Coast, with severe cases reported across all age groups.

Experts urge vaccination, noting flu shots reduce severe outcomes and have historically prevented millions of cases and deaths annually.

It’s not too late to get a flu shot.

  • Snot Flickerman@lemmy.blahaj.zone
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    1 day ago

    I like how this article uses a photo of a sign saying “Free Flu Shots” but its just got enough fidelity that you can just barely read the disclaimer.

    *No cost to you with most insurance

    So not actually free, then, huh? I’ve paid into my insurance to cover it. I’m sick of living in fucking the USA where every little tiny lived experience amounts to being fucking gaslit by every corporation around you.

    • catloaf@lemm.ee
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      19 hours ago

      If it gets people in the door to be vaccinated, I’m willing to let it slide.

    • atzanteol@sh.itjust.works
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      1 day ago

      So not actually free, then, huh

      Even in countries with free healthcare it’s paid for by taxes. So “not actually free” there either. Nothing is “actually free” as it is paid for by somebody.

      ACA compatible health plans will cover vaccines.

      • deur@feddit.nl
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        1 day ago

        They’re talking about being gaslit by corporations, not lamenting that its not actually free.

        • atzanteol@sh.itjust.works
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          1 day ago

          Most people know it means you don’t have to pay walgreens/cvs/etc. to get the shot. Not that it wasn’t paid for.

      • Snot Flickerman@lemmy.blahaj.zone
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        1 day ago

        I mean, that’s kind of my point. I don’t think there’s signs up in front of the UK’s National Health Service saying “Free Medical Care!” because everyone knows its not actually free and that it’s funded by their taxes. Only in the US do we get this weird gaslighting and calling it “free” when it is painfully obviously no such thing… especially when the non-insured out-of-pocket cost is often in the hundreds of dollars for a single vaccine.