A thought experiment

[xoder]

Can you think of any cause that is (in your not-so-humble opinion) morally or logically right and is not an underdog?

Comments

[catmandux.livejournal.com]

Pushing people to get a flu shot?

[faboo.livejournal.com]

I'm under the distinct belief that this is not generally justifiable.

certainly, the flu can be devastating to someone with a compromised or not-so-functional immune system (like the elderly, says the TeeVee), but for most people it just means getting rather sick. in fact, I think that for most people, getting a flu shot is a convenience like 24-hour drug stores: they aren't necessary, but they let you use each hour of your day effectively and efficiently.

it's good to get sick occasionally; it builds character. the flu isn't a serious condition unless you've already got one, so we ought to just grow up and deal with it.

[xoder.livejournal.com]

That's not entirely true. There have been influenza epidemics in the past that have killed thousands. We just haven't had any lately.

Then the question is: is it the flu shots, or just a general higher standard of living that has kept us relatively safe?

[xoder.livejournal.com]

But there have been studies that the people who are pushed to get flu shots are the wrong people. That children should get the flu shots instead, so that the elderly benefit from the group immunity among the best communicators of the flu.