ETHNOGRAPHY OF THE CITY
Influenza
Introduction
Around winter time we hear about many people getting sick from the flu. We know the flu is a virus; but what most people don’t know it’s a respiratory illness. If it happens to get worse, it can result into an infection. Now you hear schools as well as most parents say their children need to get the vaccination. What about adults? How many adults get the flu vaccinations? Let’s find out on this page along with my personal data collected.
Around winter time we hear about many people getting sick from the flu. We know the flu is a virus; but what most people don’t know it’s a respiratory illness. If it happens to get worse, it can result into an infection. Now you hear schools as well as most parents say their children need to get the vaccination. What about adults? How many adults get the flu vaccinations? Let’s find out on this page along with my personal data collected.
What is the flu?
People generally only know the flu is just a virus. What people don't realize is there are two types of flu viruses out there. There is type A and type B; and there are several different strains within these two main viruses [1]. Now because the flu is a virus it is contagious and can be spread just air born by means of coughing or sneezing. This is why doctors and health administrators warn people to cover themselves when they are sick. The important thing to remember is that you may not know you have a flu because the virus doesn’t always show side effects once contacted. When you get the flu the possible side effects are sore throat, chills, achiness, coughing, headaches and fatigue. These effects really depend on the person and only some experience fever.
People generally only know the flu is just a virus. What people don't realize is there are two types of flu viruses out there. There is type A and type B; and there are several different strains within these two main viruses [1]. Now because the flu is a virus it is contagious and can be spread just air born by means of coughing or sneezing. This is why doctors and health administrators warn people to cover themselves when they are sick. The important thing to remember is that you may not know you have a flu because the virus doesn’t always show side effects once contacted. When you get the flu the possible side effects are sore throat, chills, achiness, coughing, headaches and fatigue. These effects really depend on the person and only some experience fever.
Types of Strains
The different strains from type A and B are tricky. Every year the CDC conducts research on what strain of flu is dominant/present. After they conduct the research they work on the flu vaccine. Now the vaccine is not a cure for the flu. The strain changes every year which by definition means the vaccine that is made for this year will not work for next year [2]. The vaccine is a way to reduce the number of sick days you get as well as the number of call outs for work. It is very difficult to figure out which flu vaccine will be most affected because the strains are not predictable.
The different strains from type A and B are tricky. Every year the CDC conducts research on what strain of flu is dominant/present. After they conduct the research they work on the flu vaccine. Now the vaccine is not a cure for the flu. The strain changes every year which by definition means the vaccine that is made for this year will not work for next year [2]. The vaccine is a way to reduce the number of sick days you get as well as the number of call outs for work. It is very difficult to figure out which flu vaccine will be most affected because the strains are not predictable.
My personal survey:
I conducted a small survey of about 20 people for my personal research. All my interviewees were voluntary, above the age of 18 and both genders. My survey was very simple and I only asked 3 questions: do you get the flu shot, why or why not, and do you feel a connection between not attaining the vaccine and missing work/ school? According to my research, majority of the interviewees reported they do not get the vaccine. About four of the participants admitted the reason they don’t continue to get the shot is because they do not follow up with the vaccine [3]. As for the 40% that take the vaccine, their answers included they get the shot to prevent from getting sick and missing school / work. The responses I got from my participants who do not get the flu shot now admitted they did not keep in mind they would lose work or school time. They said it was not much of a concern.
I conducted a small survey of about 20 people for my personal research. All my interviewees were voluntary, above the age of 18 and both genders. My survey was very simple and I only asked 3 questions: do you get the flu shot, why or why not, and do you feel a connection between not attaining the vaccine and missing work/ school? According to my research, majority of the interviewees reported they do not get the vaccine. About four of the participants admitted the reason they don’t continue to get the shot is because they do not follow up with the vaccine [3]. As for the 40% that take the vaccine, their answers included they get the shot to prevent from getting sick and missing school / work. The responses I got from my participants who do not get the flu shot now admitted they did not keep in mind they would lose work or school time. They said it was not much of a concern.
My opinion:
The flu is a virus that takes a toll on one’s health. My opinion people may want to get the shot so it can prevent days off from work and school. As I was conducting the surveys, some of the adults would get the vaccine in order to prevent getting sick. There are studies that show the average amount of people who have been hospitalized after getting the flu. That reason in mind, one can lose some income from work for calling out, not to mention some people have to pay for the doctor visits and hospital bill. However, in the result of not getting vaccinated, the participants expressed they do not see any correlation between the two. They did not believe getting the shot will prevent them from losing any days of work or school. Instead the vaccination will only make them sick.
The flu is a virus that takes a toll on one’s health. My opinion people may want to get the shot so it can prevent days off from work and school. As I was conducting the surveys, some of the adults would get the vaccine in order to prevent getting sick. There are studies that show the average amount of people who have been hospitalized after getting the flu. That reason in mind, one can lose some income from work for calling out, not to mention some people have to pay for the doctor visits and hospital bill. However, in the result of not getting vaccinated, the participants expressed they do not see any correlation between the two. They did not believe getting the shot will prevent them from losing any days of work or school. Instead the vaccination will only make them sick.
Who are the targets?
Now about the elderly. We have grandparents, great grandparents, elderly neighbors or our own parents are 65 years old or above. When older people get sick it's much more important. Elderly men and women have a lower immune system which causes them to get sick often. The scary part is that a regular cold for us can affect them more severe. Now the when a person gets the flu they can also contract complications. Theses complications can be Pneumonia, bronchitis, sinus, ear infections and in some cases asthma attacks [4]. The reasons why doctors and other health care professionals concern themselves over their elderly patients is because the flu mixed with a complication and lead them to be hospitalized. With this possible outcome, elderly people are recommended for the vaccine. According to Kristy King, the health department encourages adults, especially the elderly to get the vaccine [5]. Although it does not necessarily prevent them from the flu it does graciously reduce the infection as well as sick days.
Now about the elderly. We have grandparents, great grandparents, elderly neighbors or our own parents are 65 years old or above. When older people get sick it's much more important. Elderly men and women have a lower immune system which causes them to get sick often. The scary part is that a regular cold for us can affect them more severe. Now the when a person gets the flu they can also contract complications. Theses complications can be Pneumonia, bronchitis, sinus, ear infections and in some cases asthma attacks [4]. The reasons why doctors and other health care professionals concern themselves over their elderly patients is because the flu mixed with a complication and lead them to be hospitalized. With this possible outcome, elderly people are recommended for the vaccine. According to Kristy King, the health department encourages adults, especially the elderly to get the vaccine [5]. Although it does not necessarily prevent them from the flu it does graciously reduce the infection as well as sick days.
References
1. https://www.historyofvaccines.org/content/articles/influenza. 16 December 2017.
2. https://wtop.com/health-fitness/2017/10/health-care-flu-vaccines-target-strains/.16 December 2017.
3. Ethnographic Interview with students. Bronx, NY. 10 December 2017.
4. https://www.cdc.gov/flu/consumer/symptoms.htm.16 December 2017.
5. https://wtop.com/health-fitness/2017/10/health-care-flu-vaccines-target-strains/16 December 2017.
1. https://www.historyofvaccines.org/content/articles/influenza. 16 December 2017.
2. https://wtop.com/health-fitness/2017/10/health-care-flu-vaccines-target-strains/.16 December 2017.
3. Ethnographic Interview with students. Bronx, NY. 10 December 2017.
4. https://www.cdc.gov/flu/consumer/symptoms.htm.16 December 2017.
5. https://wtop.com/health-fitness/2017/10/health-care-flu-vaccines-target-strains/16 December 2017.