Kachelle Pratcher
Blue & White Flash / Staff Writer
The New Year has started off with dire warnings of a deadly influenza outbreak affecting many Americans.
Four months into the flu season, physicians around the world are expressing the importance of receiving a flu vaccination. As reported in an ABC news report, more than 3,700 people have been hospitalized and at least 20 children have already died from flu-related causes since Oct. 1, 2012, when the flu season officially began.
“We have not seen very many cases of flu this year but remember the season is not over. Many students are just coming back from home and just beginning to become sick,” said Nurse Ollie Harper, director of the JSU Student Health Center.
According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), influenza (the flu) is a contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses. It can cause mild to severe illness, and at times can lead to death. The best way to prevent the flu or lesson the symptoms is by getting vaccinated each year.
“The Student Health Center had an abundance of flu vaccine. The vaccine should not be taken if you already have the symptoms or a cold or not ‘feeling good’,” said Harper. “Many people state that they don’t want to get the vaccine because the vaccine will give you the flu. One must remember that the vaccine is a live vaccine when taken and some persons may sometime exhibit some flu like symptoms but these symptoms are nothing compared to the symptoms of the actual flu.
Harper added: “By taking the vaccine you lessen your chances of getting the flu. If you feel any of the symptoms, please report to the Health Center as soon as possible for treatment. The early you are seen, the shorter your recovery time.”
The flu vaccine will protect against the three influenza viruses that research indicates will be most common during the season. This includes an influenza A (H1N1) virus, an influenza A (H3N2) virus, and an influenza B virus.
Some students did not know that the flu could lead to death.
“It’s unbelievable that people become very ill with the flu, I really didn’t know it was extreme to where people are dying and being hospitalized,” said sophomore criminal justice major Davieon Jones from Columbus, Miss.
College students are cautioned to be extremely careful because of all the shared space in dormitories, classrooms, public bathrooms, cafeterias, and social events, where the flu can be spread easily among your peers.
“I haven’t received a flu shot this season but I plan to go immediately after hearing the deaths of children,” said Manisha Heard, a junior mass communications major from Jackson, Miss.
Many steps can be taken to ensure being safe this winter and not being at risk for flu-like symptoms. First and most importantly, get a flu vaccination. The JSU Health Center, local drug stores, and other medical clinics are administering shots at a small fee. Students can add the fee to their charges at the heath center on campus.
According to Harper, all types of flu have similar symptoms. Although the flu and the the common cold have similar symptoms, the flu tends to be more severe and worst with the following symptoms.
• A 100 degree or higher fever or feeling feverish
• A cough and/or sore throat
• Runny or stuffy nose
• Headaches and or body aches
• Chills
• Fatigue
• Nausea, vomiting, and or diarrhea
“It is not too late to get the flu vaccine. I would encourage each student, faculty and staff to get this vaccine while our supplies last. Not only are you protecting yourself, but you are also protecting your family and friends,” said Harper.
She added: “There is a $25.00 fee for the vaccine that is filed on the Students fee sheet. We don’t see many students getting the vaccine during any years that it has been offered. We use to get 300 vaccines per year that number has been cut to half. At present many students are not getting this vaccine as much as we felt that they would. With the severity of the flu season this year which is reported as the worse ever, I am anticipating seeing more than usual with the flu which can be so easily prevented.”
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