The flu virus caught national attention this year, as more and more people have been hospitalized with severe symptoms. According to a report published by CBS in January, flu activity has reached the highest level since swine flu patients almost a decade ago, with more than six percent of all people visiting clinics exhibiting some kind of flu-like symptoms.
Considering the possible complications that arise from influenza, staff members at Health Services have been spreading the word to combat sickness.
“The flu is a virus that attacks the respiratory tract and is spread by contact with infected secretions,” junior nursing major Alyson Bourret said. “In my clinical, there has been a big wave of people being admitted with the flu.”
Some people choose not to get vaccinated every year for flu shots due to a variety of reasons. Director of Health Services Jessica Higgs said people do not vaccinate because they say they do not get the flu, they don’t like shots or the shot has made them sick in the past.
“The flu shot cannot make you sick as it does not have any live virus in it,” Higgs said. “If people believe they got the flu from the shot, most likely they were exposed shortly before receiving the vaccination. It takes about a week for the vaccination to become effective.”
Every year, Bradley holds five shot clinic days when students, faculty and staff can receive the vaccination for a reduced cost and nursing students can gain hands-on experience administering them.
“We have given out [all of] of our 800 flu shots this year at Bradley, as we have done for the past two years,” Higgs said. “I am a huge proponent of vaccinations, so I always encourage them. It takes two seconds to get the shot, and you don’t have to look at the needle.”
Last February, the Center for Disease Control and Prevention misestimated which viruses would be the most common during flu season. As a result, the construction of this year’s flu shot may make it less effective.
“I got the flu vaccine, and it didn’t protect me,” Anthony Hermann, associate professor of psychology, said. “I’ve had to cancel some classes [and] reschedule material. I’ve had to stay home with [my] sick boys, and it just sort of slowed everything down.”
Hermann said his sons were not able to get vaccinations this season due to an egg allergy, as flu shots contain egg proteins. However, he still believes flu shots are important in slowing down the virus in the general population.
“You’re not just vaccinating to protect yourself; you’re vaccinating to protect everybody,” Hermann said. “It’s important not to be hysterical about it.”
As far as prevention, Bourret said getting a good night’s rest and maintaining a healthy diet can boost a person’s immune system to fight infections. It is also important to stay home if a person catches a fever, and cover any coughing fits.
“The absolute best way to protect yourself is to wash your hands,” Bourret said. “I know it sounds menial, but honestly, this helps. Using soap and washing about 20 seconds can really make a big difference.”
Students still wanting to schedule a flu shot can do so by calling their physician or a nearby pharmacy, such as Walgreens or CVS.
