If you haven’t gotten your flu shot yet, there’s something you should be more terrified of than a certain other virus that you keep hearing about on the news.

This year tens of thousands of Americans will die from a largely preventable illness, but it WON’T be Ebola.

Instead, they will die from the flu or complications associated with having the flu.

According to the Center for Disease Control, the flu kills an average of 30,000 Americans each year.

Despite medical professions urging citizens to do so, Americans are in no rush to protect themselves against a proven killer already on our shores.

How is it that Americans are comfortable dismissing vaccination for a virus known to be deadly while worrying about one that will likely come nowhere near them?

It’s easy to blame the misplaced panic on media coverage. After all panicked Americans often make for good ratings.

However, if you are seriously concerned about your health and avoiding any kind of illness, wouldn’t it make sense to take all the necessary precautions?

Flu shots are reportedly more prevalent now than at any other time in American history.

They are EVERYWHERE, from your doctor’s office to the local supermarket.

"Behind schedule": Flu shot slowdown peeves pediatricians http://t.co/7Q1y2RVYfj pic.twitter.com/uWg7EhejBi

— NBC News (@NBCNews) October 11, 2014

You can use an online vaccine finder to locate the place nearest to you where flu shots are available.

Afraid of needles?

No problem!

There are non-needle options available.

Get your flu shot yet? Walk-in flu vaccination clinics are open to UNC students, employees. http://t.co/OcCmZEaSg9 pic.twitter.com/d7KH7EhYxL

— UNC-Chapel Hill (@UNC) October 10, 2014

If the death of the first Ebola patient diagnosed on U.S. soil occurred thousands of miles away from you, then it’s hardly a major health concern.

Instead, worry about that person next to you in the restaurant battling the flu virus.

Worry about the fact that you are not vaccinated and therefore more vulnerable to this proven threat than the sensationalized one.

Persons most encouraged to get vaccinated include young children, pregnant women, and the elderly. Even if you do not fall into one of these categories, it never hurts to take steps to protect your health.