MY FRIEND JILL TRAGICALLY LOST HER 2 YEAR OLD SON THIS YEAR 

A little boy, named Jude lost his life. Here's what you need to know about this tragedy and how we can help. He tragically died in his sleep from the Influenza B virus, also known as the flu virus. So Jill and her family started a campaign and website saying "Lets Talk about the Flu" and it's going viral. It's tackling a tough issue in a day and age where there are many anti vaccine people and when our herd immunity has begun to be lost. You can read below her excerpt on what she is sharing on social media as well as links to her website for more information about the flu and flu shots.

HERD IMMUNITY IS THE GENERAL IMMUNITY TO A PATHOGEN,

Herd immunity is the general immunity to a pathogen (like the flu virus) in a population based on the acquired immunity to it by a high proportion of members over time. Meaning when people stop getting the flu shot our herd immunity goes out the window and for people who are pregnant, who have low immune system, have had organ transplants, people who have cancer, the elderly and the young, people who depend almost entirely on the herd system we are the ones who suffer the most. Some of us even lose our lives. 

JUDE LOVED SUPERMAN, LIONS, PENGUINS, MICKEY MOUSE...

Jude loved Superman, lions, penguins, Mickey Mouse, peanut butter sandwiches, their dog (Guinness), trucks, and stories. He was head over heels for his family and excited for absolutely everything. He ran, rather than walked, everywhere with purpose and enthusiasm, and he gave the best hugs.

ON MAY 6TH, 2016 JUDE DIED SUDDENLY DURING HIS AFTERNOON NAP.

No one could explain it. On August 24th, we finally had our answer. Jude died from influenza B, and with that conclusive answer, it is now believed that Isla and Thomas also had the flu that week, and we can trace it back to 'a nasty bug' going through a kindergarten classroom.

Because this would be my first question, yes. They were all vaccinated. But as we know, the flu shot is an educated guess and immunization works best when as many people as possible participate. Jude didn't die because we didn't vaccinate him. He died because there aren't enough people around us doing the same, and there was no protection for him when his shot failed.

HERE'S HOW YOU CAN HELP OTHERS, JUST LIKE JUDE

We can all do better. For more about the flu, the flu shot, and other things you can do to help prevent the spread of the flu, please check our website and join our social media campaign. It's easy! Get a shot, take a picture, and tag it to #forjudeforeveryone and #flushot. Show people that you've done your part to keep us all healthy.

Let's do better. For Jude. For Everyone. http://www.forjudeforeveryone.com/

6 YEARS AGO I HAD A DOUBLE LUNG TRANSPLANT.

It saved my life, but it left me with little to no immune system. Which is why the winter months, the sick months, the flu and cold season scares me every single year.

LAST WINTER I'M LUCKY I DIDN'T END UP IN THE HOSPITAL OR WORSE...

Last winter I spent 4 months sick, huddled away from the world, unable to work or even walk my dog for more then a few metres. I had shingles, and then was diagnosed with H1N1 influenza A/B. I was sick for months. From January until pretty much April I was out for the count and it was horrible. I rely on others to get the flu shot, to be proactive so that people in my similar situation won't get the flu.  

MY LIFE DEPENDS ON YOU, YES YOU, BEING PROACTIVE.

The flu shot is science at it's finest. Vaccines have irradiated polio, almost wiped out measles and many other diseases that people used to die from all the time, which are now almost none existent in our modern world. It's pretty amazing that we were able to do this. But I rely on YOU, yes, YOU to be proactive and get the flu shot. 

THE FLU SHOT IS AVAILABLE AT PHARMACIES NOW

So I know some of you out there who honestly just forget to get your flu shot and that's okay, here's your friendly reminder. So when you're walking home from work one day and you pass the corner pharmacy and you were debating getting one, think of Jude, think of me, think of your pregnant co-worker or that man receiving chemotherapy you ran into at the grocery store and pop on into the store. You can save a life or two or three. Let's bring back herd immunity. #ForJudeForEveryone 

NOT INTO THE FLU SHOT? HERE'S WHAT ELSE YOU CAN DO. 

There is still other stuff you can do if you opt out on the flu shot (to each their own!). Check out Jill's site on all the other things you can do to help stop the spread of the flu and protect our community. 

http://www.forjudeforeveryone.com/what-else-can-i-do/

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