the flu shot that's being given every year is an educated guess by the CDC. it covers the viruses that the experts think will come through. this year. they guessed wrong. the flu shot is still important--but the shot covered the type "B" flu--and the one that has hit, everywhere is type "A"--the bird flu. yes, it can lead to pneumonia. don't mess with a persistent cough. go to the doc. bronchitis can become chronic. yes, lung cancer is sometimes the cause of a persistent cough, as well. so is emphysema. but dang, people--get the darned shot. people die from the flu--there have been 7 deaths in our state this year, already. and if you are already immunocompromised, with diabetes, chronic disease of any kind, you need the protection. i want to live long enough to use all this fabric, and i don't want to get more by going to someone's estate sale...