Flu Shots and Seniors: Correlation vs. Causation

That study showing flu shots make seniors 48% less likely to die from pneumonia might not mean what

you think. Researchers tracked 36,000 seniors for a decade. The group that chose

to get flu shots had way better health outcomes. But here's the twist: it was an observational

study. The researchers just watched; they didn't assign who got the shot.

This means the people who chose to get vaccinated might have just been healthier or more careful

in general. The study proves an association, not that the shot *caused* the better

health. So next time you see a wild headline, always ask if they just observed or

actually ran an experiment. It makes all the difference.