Flu Shots are Public Health!
Flu shots are a great example of public health in action! We all went to
the Walgreens Pharmacy on Bruce B. Downs to put our sticker on one of their
signs advertising for flu shots. These signs can be seen all over the Tampa
area at local pharmacies. Flu shots are a great example of public health for
several reasons. As discussed in class, public health is the focus on
population health through the prevention of disease and the promotion of
health. While medical care is focused on individual care and treatment, public
health targets the whole population and works on preventing illness. Flu shots
are an example of public health because flu shots prevent the flu. By
preventing the flu, it also helps prevent the complications that come with the
flu such as pneumonia. These shots are especially important to at risk
populations such as young children and older adults. By offering flu shots at
local pharmacies, people do not have to go visit their doctor to receive the
shot. It is more convenient and cheaper for people and therefore more people
will probably get them. With more people getting the shot, it reduces the
spread of the flu to people who didn’t receive the shot. This helps reduce the
spread of the virus through the population. Public health focuses on primary
and secondary prevention methods. The flu shot is an example of primary
prevention. Getting the flu shot is very affordable and accessible and helps
prevents doctor visits and further complications.
Rachel Dupler, Natalie Landry, Joseph Barbera, Stefan Chen
This was such a great place to put the "This is Public Health" sticker. The flu can easily be spread from person-to-person by direct contact. We know that both children and the elderly are two of the main groups at risk of getting the flu and ending up with a complication. Also, other ages groups can get the flu as well. With Walgreens making the flu shot available to the public for a cheaper price, or even for free (at times), allows more people to be able to afford it. If you have more people getting the flu shot, this ultimately decreases the likelihood of getting the flu and spreading it to others.
ReplyDeleteTaking a picture at the Walgreen's was a fantastic idea. The placement of your " This is Public Health" sticker posted by the flu shot sign really embodies the essence of Public Health and every thing it stands for. Also,the location of the Walgreen's,across the street from the campus,helps to draw in the student body and promotes good health outcomes. With the stress of college life and all the demands that are expected of college students we are likely to have suppressed immune systems and become susceptible to communicable diseases. When there are solutions to promote good health outcomes, it not only benefits the USF community but all of the other areas that students commute too.
ReplyDeleteI firmly believe that this was an awesome idea for your project. We are heading into cold and flu season and it is extremely important for everyone to protect themselves against the influenza virus. I personally remember going without the flu shot in 2010...BIG MISTAKE!!! My symptoms did not manifest like the typical flu symptoms. I had a fever of 104.5 and the most violent headache but no sore throat, no sneezing, no congestion. I didn't understand what exactly was happening but after a 9 hour stay in the ER, I was diagnosed with the flu. I felt lousy because I knew that this is something that could have been prevented. I also put my daughter at risk by not getting vaccinated. No matter your age, everyone should get their annual flu shot. Could you imagine how great cold and flu season would be if everyone got vaccinated?! Thank goodness for Walgreens!! The shot is affordable and covered by most insurance plans. I plan on getting mine...How about you?
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