Jhade’ Norris
MC Contributor/Staff Writer
The month of October is approaching which means flu season is right around the corner. Although getting a flu shot or the flu is most likely the last thing on a college students’ mind, it is very important.
According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), influenza is a contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses. It can cause mild to severe illness. Serious outcomes of flu infection can result in hospitalization or death.
Seasonal influenza vaccines are often available but fewer than half of Americans will get the vaccines according to the CDC.
Getting the flu vaccine prevents a widespread outbreak on college campuses as well as in communities and other places heavily populated with people.
“We give flu shots every year. We order the flu shots and the only problem we have is that students don’t take advantage of getting the flu shot,” said Ollie L. Harper, nurse practitioner and director of nurses at the Jackson State University Health Center said,
“When students don’t get flu shots or make excuses not to get one, it increases their chances of getting sick, students need to consider this because they’re living in close proximity with other students,” said Harper.
Nurse Harper also stated that because students do not know what illnesses other students may have, preventative measures should be taken to avoid getting sick.
Harper stated that some students and people in general are not receptive to the fact that they do not know what strain of the virus they will be given in the vaccine.
Jarvis Generette, a junior mass communication major from Jackson, Miss. stated that although he is uncomfortable with the idea of the actual flu vaccine being introduced to his body, he gets the shot to avoid illness.
“I do get flu shots. I just do not think they are important and I am uncomfortable with the idea of the flu virus being injected to me,” said Generette.
Other students feel the benefits outweigh the negatives.
“Flu shots are important and I make sure that I get mine yearly,” said Teria Dase, a junior communicative disorders major from Heidelberg, Miss.
The price for the average flu shot is $25. The Jackson State University Health Center offers the vaccine for the same price and students can pay for it out of pocket or have it charged to their accounts. You can also get the flu vaccine from your local drug store or doctor’s office.
For more information regarding getting the flu vaccine from JSU Health Services, call 601-979-2260.
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