Nominated for an Emmy for CNN’s The Wonder List, food bank founder Cate Fox teaches filmmakers to take advantage of the hopeful yet ironic messaging conveyed by the film.
Today, October 22, the sixth anniversary of the worldwide outbreak of the 2009 swine flu pandemic, experts warn that we are seeing a return of the virus this fall and winter, as it remains more dangerous than ever.
According to federal health authorities, the virus remains a particularly infectious “slam dunk.” And health officials have urged Americans to stay alert and “to throw their medical and flu vaccination precautions to the wind.”
Food banks, who provide assistance to the 2.5 million Americans who cannot afford a healthy, balanced diet, are well aware of the risks of the illness, and are currently gearing up for a serious shortage of goods and nutritious foods as Halloween approaches.
October 22 is the day that some experts predict is the most “profitable” of flu season. As a result, food banks like Thanksgiving is already underway – before Thanksgiving, and more families in need begin falling victim to the virus.
The currently available statistics show that 31 million Americans in the United States live in areas where it is “highly likely” they will be exposed to the flu.
“It’s ironic that the highest rate of flu is when the holiday season starts. That’s when we really need to think about ways to avoid it,” said Fox.
For those who do catch the virus, the first line of treatment is the flu shot, and according to health authorities, the vaccine is relatively effective in stopping the virus. But many worry that this year’s version is weaker than usual.
If you are planning to become a “designated flu shot coordinator,” and expect that 40 percent of your population should be vaccinated, this year, it is not that easy.
Health authorities warn that, as of this writing, only about 34 percent of U.S. households are up to date in getting a flu shot.
If there is any consolation, however, it is that today in 2017, the movie Wonder is nominated for an Emmy for CNN’s The Wonder List.
The Wonder List is a program that uses the unexpected to highlight the triumphs and challenges facing those with disabilities – both physically and mentally.
“One of the reasons I wanted to host Wonder was to show how much people with special needs contribute to this country,” Fox said. “However, how they are valued isn’t always the best thing.”