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Influenza May Hit Like a November Storm November 2003 (Newstream) -- Editors' Note: For audio in Spanish, please click here. ANCHOR LEAD: Influenza may hit like a November storm. The severity of the flu season is unpredictable and it's important to take precautions to protect yourself against this serious disease. The CDC is urging people at higher risk - those 65 and older and anyone with chronic health problems - to get vaccinated as soon as possible. Tom Hendrick has the story. (:59) SCRIPT: Healthcare Now, with Tom Hendrick. Lu Farconi is one of millions who has a chronic medical condition that puts him at greater risk for influenza complications. CUT: (Farconi) Since I have diabetes I don't want the complication of having flu also. SCRIPT: For Mary Moriarity, the Thanksgiving season is a reminder that, at 70 years of age, she's also more likely to suffer from flu-related complications so she gets vaccinated. CUT: (Moriarity) I don't take any chances. SCRIPT: On average 36-thousand people in America die from flu-related complications each year. The vast majority have chronic medical conditions or are 65 years of age or older. CUT: (Gerberding) Influenza is a very serious disease. SCRIPT: Dr. Julie Gerberding is director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. CUT: (Gerberding) Flu is unpredictable and we can never tell at the outset where it's going to lead but we do know that vaccination is the best protection for everyone. SCRIPT: Yet the majority of people at higher risk
still have not been vaccinated. Protect yourself. Protect your loved ones.
Get your flu vaccine. This is Tom Hendrick. |
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