The CDC Lies About Flu Deaths

With the new Coronavirus, Covid-19, being practically the only conversation on facebook and in real life, I find myself gritting my teeth every time someone spouts off about how this virus is "nothing" compared to the annual influenza rates we deal with. And then people post memes with "facts" like this:

How do I know this is a lie? Well, many years ago I learned that the CDC admitted to inflating numbers to get more people to get flu shots every year. And, I also looked up the actual numbers. First, you should know that the CDC combines influenza and pneumonia deaths together almost every time they mention flu stats. They admitted that this helped increase the fear. When combined, it puts "pneumonia and influenza" as a top-10 cause of death for many states. Left on its own, flu stats wouldn't be anywhere near. Here's why:

If this image doesn't get big enough on your phone, influenza deaths for 2017 total 6,515. Pneumonia deaths were 49,157. Some of those pneumonia deaths were as a result of the flu. This often happens in elderly patients or patients with weak immune systems. There are many different causes of pneumonia, but those are not accounted for in statistics collected by the CDC. (By the way, 68% of influenza and pneumonia deaths occur in those 75 and older. 93% of influenza and pneumonia deaths occur in those 55 and older. https://www.worldlifeexpectancy.com/usa-cause-of-death-by-age-and-gender )

The CDC combines these stats every year. EVERY. YEAR. And then still exaggerates.

So, how should you respond?

One of the things that's bugging me exponentially right now is that everywhere we turn for advice on Covid-19, we are being told "get your flu shot!" Well, we know the flu shot isn't very effective (ever!) but what most people don't know is that it actually weakens your immune system. The last time to get any vaccine is when you are already sick, or could potentially come into contact with something that will make you sick.

Those 6,515 people are not just a number. They were someone's mom, dad, grandparent, or child. So while the number is much smaller than what the CDC tells us, it doesn't mean we should just ignore all logic and pretend the flu isn't an issue. In order to protect the most susceptible, make sure to take care of your body all year round, AND wash your hands regularly. That is much more effective than a vaccine will ever be!

God bless, and be well!