Why the Flu Season Almost Disappeared This Year

PVT Anthony Warf that may have been true in the past but biotechnology has evolved faster than IT technology over the last decade. A blood or saliva sample can be run through very inexpensive tests in almost any clinical microbiology lab now with results in minutes (when it used to take me a week in the lab in 1999). We can determine the microbe (bacteria, virus, or fungus) that is either in the sample or that someone's body has created antibodies against. Thus, the current reports delineating the difference in flu deaths is absolutely noteworthy not koolaid (I would not post something that I felt was misleading). What did we do as a society in the past that caused over 30K deaths each year from flu? I think it was people and children going to work and school while contagious and sick. Almost all Americans (and especially military) have been peer pressured to come to work sick ---"suck it up buttercup!" "take some motrin soldier" (I hate to admit my guilt here too of going to work sick or taking a sick kid with me to work for fear of reprisals.) I attended meetings of the American Society of Microbiology since 1999 where scientists expressed their frustration with the lack of knowledge and unnecessary deaths this caused. As a nation, I hope we can accurately evaluate the technical reality with the social reality to come up with better solutions for the future.

COL (Join to see) I appreciate the educational info Sir..

COL (Join to see) For nearly 35 years after my ETS I worked and dedicated my time in long term care.I have no doubts about the ferocity of viruses in the least.One particular time frame in the mid 90's was especially devastating in a facility where I worked.We lost 35 residents in 26 days due to a strain of influenza that developed into pneumonia in an incredibly short time after initial infection.Mitigation at an aggressive level was all that helped us endure, although the facility continues to this day to feel the effect of that outbreak.I believe and not to diminish your comments in the least that more transparency from those who have the facts would help to alleviate the current mood of mistrust.I'm sure during your career at one time or the other you heard the words that if you go with the last order you were given, you'd never be wrong. That just can't apply here with all the mixed messaging.

me too CSM Charles Hayden !

While I do agree with you Sgt John Steinmeier that the Unions most certainly swayed the political decisions when they should not be given that much power, I would still argue that our society thus far was driven to send kids to school sick because mom or dad or both could not take off work. Schools are used as daycare centers rather than places of learning. Dose Johnny or Jane up with some cough syrup and tylenol and pray you don't get called to come get them so you don't miss your meeting. We have to change this mindset and the internal and external workforce peer pressure that causes this to happen.