If Everyone Else Does, Would You?

I had an interesting conversation this past weekend about my decision to undergo the 9 month TB preventative treatment plan. Not only am I preventing myself from developing active TB right now, but I am also preventing someone else from being exposed as well. The chances of someone developing active TB are now lessened due to my following of what many others before me have done.

Does this philosophy sound familiar to anyone? It totally makes sense. Herd theory.

I think this is a similar theory behind the reasoning for everyone being urged and vaccinated for the annual flu. The CDC suggests/requests as many people as possible to be vaccinated for the flu vaccine every year. Because so many people act as one unit, in a way, I am able to benefit from not possibly getting sick. I have never really been one interested in getting the flu shot. Why would I? I have never really gotten the flu. Now I see why. Herd theory.

The herd theory is kind of interesting. The example I gave is kind of a good one, I think. While all these people act as "one", in being vaccinated, when broken down, the herd is built of self-serving individuals, fearing for their life, so to speak. Kind of an interesting thought. By not being in the herd, and being vaccinated, I like to think of myself as one of those little birds that perch on the bison, surviving off the bugs it attracts. Basically, by everyone being vaccinated I reap the benefits of indirectly being vaccinated and not having to deal with it myself. Talk about a mutralistic symbiotic relationship.

I think it only appropriate to thank ALL those people that hang in the herd and choose to be vaccinated. In doing so, you, and Purell instant hand sanitizer, help me to stay healthy year round.