On average, 5-20% of the US population gets the flu each year, and more than 200,000 are hospitalize - Polidicks

[url]http://www.gene.com/media/news-features/flu-season[/url] [QUOTE]It's flu season again. Are you ready? Flu is unpredictable and highly contagious. While flu spreads every year, the timing, severity and duration of each flu season varies. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends an annual flu vaccine as the first and most important step in protecting against flu viruses. If you get the flu, ask your doctor about prescription flu medicines To recognize flu symptoms, remember [B]Flu F.A.C.T.S (Fever, Aches, Chills, (extreme) Tiredness, and Sudden Onset)[/B][/QUOTE]

[quote] If you get the flu, ask your doctor about prescription flu medicines [/quote] HAHAHA no. I'm not wasting a doctor's time getting a scrip for something my immune system will fight off on its own with little more than water, a couple days rest, and chicken noodle soup.

[QUOTE=TestECull;49184696]HAHAHA no. I'm not wasting a doctor's time getting a scrip for something my immune system will fight off on its own with little more than water, a couple days rest, and chicken noodle soup.[/QUOTE] Unless I really had to be feeling well to perform a duty, I am inclined to agree. Besides, there are over the counter meds that lessen the symptoms of the flu (congestion, sore throat, tiredness, fever) which cost a bag of peanuts.

yeah i'm willing to bet the vast majority of these hospitalised cases are little kids and gomers (and otherwise immunocompromised)

[quote]5-20%[/quote] That's quite a margin there

You know why ER wait times are so fucking stupid and long? Because dumbshits bring their families into the ER for the most minor shit - Cold, Flu, You name it and they bring it.

[QUOTE=MR-X;49186225]You know why ER wait times are so fucking stupid and long? Because dumbshits bring their families into the ER for the most minor shit - Cold, Flu, You name it and they bring it.[/QUOTE] People confuse ER with Urgent Care and then you get 5 hour waiting times because of the idiots

[QUOTE=MR-X;49186225]You know why ER wait times are so fucking stupid and long? Because dumbshits bring their families into the ER for the most minor shit - Cold, Flu, You name it and they bring it.[/QUOTE] Over here you can be fined if you go to ER for shit like that.

[QUOTE=MR-X;49186225]You know why ER wait times are so fucking stupid and long? Because dumbshits bring their families into the ER for the most minor shit - Cold, Flu, You name it and they bring it.[/QUOTE] retarded but at least they take the dude with the GSW in before the guy with a skinned knee

[QUOTE=TestECull;49184696]HAHAHA no. I'm not wasting a doctor's time getting a scrip for something my immune system will fight off on its own with little more than water, a couple days rest, and chicken noodle soup.[/QUOTE] Ya that's pushing drugs right there, those meds are really for people who react badly to the flu

[QUOTE=Sableye;49186389]Ya that's pushing drugs right there, those meds are really for people who react badly to the flu[/QUOTE] Mmhm. Better spend of resources leaving the meds for the people that truly need them. My immune system works just fine, all I need is rest and hydration to beat a flu. That guy with the heart transplant scar? Yeah he doesn't have that, he needs the meds instead of me.

[QUOTE=TestECull;49184696]HAHAHA no. I'm not wasting a doctor's time getting a scrip for something my immune system will fight off on its own with little more than water, a couple days rest, and chicken noodle soup.[/QUOTE] It's too damn bad though most companies will only allow two "free" sick days a year and after that you need to provide a doctors note to get any extra time.

[QUOTE=MR-X;49186225]You know why ER wait times are so fucking stupid and long? Because dumbshits bring their families into the ER for the most minor shit - Cold, Flu, You name it and they bring it.[/QUOTE] I think that's because they don't have health insurance and the ER can't turn you away or so I've been told. In any case my grandpa almost died bleeding out internally before they could get to him and realize how serious his condition was because of bullshit like that. When they finished emergency surgery the surgeon said he only had minutes left

I already got my Flu shot during the middle of last month, I'm good.

[QUOTE=TestECull;49184696]HAHAHA no. I'm not wasting a doctor's time getting a scrip for something my immune system will fight off on its own with little more than water, a couple days rest, and chicken noodle soup.[/QUOTE] As long as you're taking rest (away from others) and know the warning signs for if it gets serious, that's fine Don't be going to work with the flu, especially if it's a customer-service job or any other profession where you're likely to be dealing with kids, old people or those whose immune systems are shot (chemo patients, etc). Get your shot.

[QUOTE=Maloof?;49189555]Don't be going to work with the flu...[/QUOTE] I guess you would still have to see the doctor to get a note. Which is like 80% of the cases of people seeing the doctor, at least in Germany, I think. Things can get really tricky when you are in the weekend/holiday and still have to work. I'm also noticing that like no body seems to be thinking of that when it comes to analysis about people being at the doctor to much.

[QUOTE=pentium;49189040]It's too damn bad though most companies will only allow two "free" sick days a year and after that you need to provide a doctors note to get any extra time.[/QUOTE] Idk about that most companies in the US either have you as salaried where you have sick days or independent contractor where you can either be fired or can choose not to work