Congestion, chills, runny nose, fever and sneezing – these are just some of the symptoms of the flu. It can also wreak havoc on the body and cause students to carry around embarrassing ammount of tissues.
Despite these unwanted symptoms, many people avoid preventions like vaccines, according to a 2015 NPR poll.
Almost half of 3,000 adults surveyed said they do not need the flu vaccine. Top reasons why people do not get the shot include believing a flu shot or spray is unnecessary, worrying about possible side effects, believing the vaccine could infect them with the flu and believing the shot is just ineffective.
Still, getting vaccinated is the best way to protect against the virus, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Ryan Malosh, an epidemiologist at the Unviersity of Michigan School of Public Health, said another reason why people don’t feel like they need to get the flu vaccine is because they don’t feel like they are at a particularly high risk for infection. Â
“Influenza can be a very serious respiratory illness,†Malosh said. “The best estimates from the CDC are that up to 200,000 people are hospitalized and 30,000 people die from influenza associated illnesses.â€
Malosh said the influenza vaccine is not 100 percent effective, but it’s still the most effective way to lower the risk of getting sick. Getting the vaccine will not only protect those seeking the shot but others as well.
“You can protect those who are more likely to have severe disease,†Malosh said. “There is also the potential to reduce the severity of infection even if the vaccine doesn’t offer complete protection.â€
Julia Kersting, an 18-year-old psychology freshman, said despite the vaccines supposed benefits, she has never gotten the shot.
“I don’t ever get the flu,†Kersting said. “I don’t like needles and I think the shot is ineffective.â€
Unlike Kersting, 18-year-old English freshman Sydney Bloodworth always makes sure to get vaccinated for the flu.
“I will be getting the flu shot this year – I have a crappy immune system,†Bloodworth said. “I hate needles but they’re a necessary evil.â€
The CDC recommends getting vaccinated before flu season begins, because it takes two weeks for the body’s immune response to fully respond to the vaccine.
In addition to getting the vaccine, the CDC recommends taking precautions everyday to prevent the flu virus by washing hands with soap and water, covering noses and mouths with tissues when coughing or sneezing, avoiding touching eyes, noses and mouths and cleaning and disinfecting surfaces and objects.
Students can receive their flu shots on campus Oct. 26 in the University Center atrium from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
