Runny noses, coughing, headaches and fevers… this could only mean one thing: Flu season is back.
Flu season peaks in November and continues into April. Individuals typically receive vaccines in October or early November, but you can still get a shot after Thanksgiving.
According to the Center of Disease Control (CDC), “The best time to get a vaccine is as soon as it becomes available.”
The Influenza virus varies from season to season, so even if you weren’t sick last year, that doesn’t mean you won’t get sick this time around.
“The main thing people can do is wash their hands,” Community Health Educator for the Memorial Health Center Galen Laprocido said.
“Wash them before you eat, after you use the bathroom, and when passing utensils. People do not do that enough. Also, be conscious of passing drinks.”
It is recommended to get a flu shot annually in order to keep your body’s defenses well equipped against the flu.
If you opt out of the shot, here are a few tips: Avoid close contact with individuals who are easily susceptible to the flu; wash your hands often and thoroughly, especially after touching anything public like door handles, elevator buttons or stair rails; cover your mouth when you cough and sneeze.
If you’ve avoided getting a flu shot because you are afraid of needles there is now a less intimidating option.
A new shot called the intradermal flu vaccine uses a shorter and narrower needle than the average flu shot.
The ultra fine needle is a mere 0.06 inches, compared to its 1 to 1.5 inch counterpart.
Getting a flu shot could save you five to seven days of bed rest.
“Get the flu shot, cover your cough with elbow or sleeve, and stay home if you have any symptoms,” Laprocido said. “After your symptoms have subsided, stay at home for another 24 hours.”
The CDC predicts that even though 166 to 173 million flu vaccines will be available this flu season, they will still run out.
For the past 20 years, the Memorial Health Center has offered flu shots to students. Vaccines will be available on campus during immunization hours.
“In my two years on campus, I have taken advantage of the Memorial Health Center’s Flu Clinic,” sophomore Kian Hervey said. “I’ve received a flu shot every year as a child and thought about opting out this year until my mother cautioned me otherwise.”
