Quote Originally Posted by theimage13 View Post
Why does this virus make you say that?

I get my flu shot every year at the first possible chance, but I don't see the connection between that and this - especially since this year's flu vaccine is one of the least effective in a long, long time (the model they used to develop this year's was way off; the virus popping up in hospitals is generally coming from the B family, and the vaccine was geared mainly if not entirely toward the A family). I still recommend everyone get the shot since a bulletproof vest that covers a fraction of your vital organs is still better than a t-shirt, but I don't see why this would help anybody with regards to this new outbreak.
Good on you for being informed. I believe that act of taking the precaution, seeing it for yourself — a health professional performing the service they are trained for — boosts confidence in their work, and helps with the element of panic. Toronto Public Health (the body that successfully contained an outbreak of SARS cases from spreading in 2003) stated:

[The novel virus] ...has been identified at the same time as local circulation of influenza, also known as the flu, is common in Toronto. Toronto Public Health advises residents to take the usual measures to reduce the risk of the transmission of the flu and respiratory illness:

Get a yearly influenza vaccination, available from clinics and pharmacies.
Wash your hands frequently and thoroughly with soap and water, or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
Cover your mouth and nose when you cough or sneeze.
If you don't have a tissue, sneeze or cough into your sleeve or arm.
Stay at home if you are sick.
Flu and respiratory illness symptoms include sudden onset of a high fever, chills, sore throat, cough, muscle aches and difficult breathing. As a reminder, the flu can spread to others before symptoms even appear. Older individuals or individuals with pre-existing medical conditions such as asthma or heart disease are at higher risk of severe illness. If you or a family member have concerns about any symptoms, contact your health care provider.
Do all of that (ie. see a health practitioner, and follow what they say to minimize risk) and your chances of getting deathly sick are probably small.