Final answer:
The increase in preventive medicine awareness among health care consumers has resulted in a rise in immunization rates.
Step-by-step explanation:
The increase in preventive medicine awareness among health care consumers has resulted in a rise in immunization rates (option B) rather than an increase in emergency room visits (option A), chronic illnesses (option C), or surgical procedures (option D).
Preventive medicine focuses on preventing illnesses, diseases, or injuries from occurring or worsening. One of the most effective preventive measures in healthcare is immunization, which helps protect individuals from infectious diseases. When people proactively get immunized, they reduce their risk of contracting and spreading illnesses.
For example, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported higher emergency room visits for influenza-like symptoms during the 2007-2008 influenza season. This suggests that individuals who didn't receive a flu vaccine were more likely to end up requiring emergency care for flu-related symptoms.