2003 Cookie Monster Had Cookie Flu and Survived. 2009 Sid the Science Kid Sold Flu Vaccines.

My how times change. In the late 1960s The Brady Bunch kids all had the measles. In the 1990s Arthur had the chicken pox. Frank Sinatra once sang, "I've had the measles, I've had the mumps, everything happens to me." And in 2003, Cookie Monster caught the cookie flu . Oscar the Grouch didn't laugh uproariously that his chocolate chip loving friend was dying. Telly Monster didn't worry himself sick. Prairie Dawn didn't sing a dirge. Gordon the science teacher didn't spank him for not getting a flu shot. Bob didn't sing "Who are the bad mommies in the neighborhood."

COOKIE MONSTER CAUGHT THE FLU AND LIVED TO TELL THE TALE.

In 2009, the United States Government contracted with PBS's Sid the Science Kid to promote flu vaccines for children.  And Elmo told kids to wash their hands well to avoid the flu. In 2011, all disease is treated like the plague. Fear sells. Always has ("do YOU have halitosis?")