Katelyn Moorman – Staff Writer
Influenza is not something that can be avoided through increased hygiene and consuming copious amounts of vitamin C—people can still get the flu despite their best efforts.
“Even the healthiest people get the flu,” according the Health magazine.
Even if someone does not think they will contract influenza, they should still get the shot so that herd immunity is in full effect. Herd immunity is the concept that if enough members of the population are protected then those who are unable to receive the shot will be protected, too.
Infants under six months, the chronically ill, and those allergic to the vaccine are unable to be protected. It is especially important to get vaccinated to avoid spreading the infection to young children, the elderly, people with asthma, people with heart disease, and those who are autoimmune impaired, because these people are at more of a risk of dying if they become infected with the influenza virus, according to Health.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that someone’s chance of contracting the flu is lowered by 40 to 60 percent with a flu shot. Someone can still get the flu even if they get a flu shot, but their symptoms will be considerably milder, according to the CDC. If someone is exposed to the influenza virus a few days before or after receiving the vaccination, they can still contract the flu. According to Harvard Women’s Health Watch, this is because, after receiving the shot, “it takes about two weeks for the vaccine to become effective.”
The flu is more intense than the common cold, though some of the symptoms are similar. Runny nose, sore throat, coughing and a fever are symptoms of both, but they are likely to be more severe with influenza. The flu also has symptoms of muscle pain and greater fatigue, which is one way to differentiate between the two. A flu shot is the best way to go about preventing the flu, for “Getting a flu shot is the cornerstone of preparedness” (source: Harvard Women’s Health Watch Vol. 24 Issue 4).
According to the CDC website, the best way for someone to protect themselves and others is to get seasonal flu shots annually. They also say that flu vaccines “cause antibodies to develop in the body,” and that “these antibodies provide protection against infection with the viruses that are in the vaccine.” The CDC approves the vaccine based on research which indicates which strains of influenza will be the most common for each particular flu season (https://www.cdc.gov/flu/prevent/keyfacts.htm).
Flu shots are available on campus through Student Health.
Mary Beth Bender, Interim Student Health Services Director, said, “We are in favor of everyone getting flu shots.”
She said she recommends getting a flu shot before the end of October. Flu shots at Student Health cost $20, which can be paid by cash, check, or as a charge to a student’s account to be paid later. Flu shots are available during their regular hours, and no appointment is necessary.
Bender said flu shots “help the body’s immune system recognize and prevent the flu.”
People who are immune compromised, have chronic illnesses, and have diabetes are more at risk to have severe complications from the flu, and should get the shot if they are not allergic, she said.
“A lot of people think you can get the flu from the flu vaccine,” Bender said, “but it is not a live vaccine so you cannot.”
Faculty and staff can get a flu shot free of charge with their Cigna Health Insurance through the Wellness Center.
