Get protected from things you can't see

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Why does it seem easier to protect against things you can see compared to things you can't? If you see a storm approaching, or a swarm of bees, or a suspicious-looking stranger, you can act to protect yourself and your loved ones. Protecting yourself against things you can't see seems different. The urgency isn't there. It's not that people are unaware of viruses and bacteria - everyone's learned about them in school - or that these germs don't pose any less of a threat. For instance, the estimated U.S. death toll from flu-related complications in the upcoming flu season is 36,000 people. That's right - 36,000 people. However, the reason more people don't keep up with their immunizations may be because these microscopic killers can't be seen. Out of sight, out of mind? That could be one explanation. Thankfully, local health officials are making every effort to change this perspective. They are making available numerous opportunities for people around here to become immunized against dangerous illnesses. For instance, a large-scale flu clinic will take place from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Oct. 18 at Sauk Valley Community College. The Lee County Health Department will treat the clinic as an emergency preparedness drill, in the event mass vaccinations ever need to be given. Flu shots and pneumonia vaccines will be dispensed. Call the health department at 815-284-3371 for details. The Whiteside County Health Department is offering the same vaccines daily at its clinic in Rock Falls. Additional clinics are planned around the county (Erie on Tuesday, Morrison on Thursday, Fulton on Oct. 15, Prophetstown on Oct. 22, and Rock Falls and Morrison on Nov. 4). For more information, call health officials at 815-626-2230. With more flu vaccine doses available this year, officials recommend that the age range of youths getting shots be expanded. It used to be that kids 6 months to 5 years were recommended for the shot. The upper age limit now is 18 years, so all school-age young people can receive protection from the contagious illness. Besides flu and pneumonia, there's another unseen danger. You probably read about the 12 cases of whooping cough in Whiteside County since August. Unfortunately, this illness has claimed one life. It's another situation where something unseen but preventable has caused suffering. Vaccines are available to provide immunization from this germ. We urge people to safeguard themselves and their loved ones from microscopic harm. An ounce of prevention now is definitely preferable to a serious illness later.