The flu vaccine:
Should we give it a shot?
By Sara Gentry
Are you pregnant? Are you under 18 or over 50 years of age? Are you a resident or faculty in a nursing home? If you answered yes to any of these questions, a flu shot might be a good idea to help prevent influenza this season. What about the average college student: Are we good candidates for receiving the influenza vaccine? According to Joe Makarich, the managing pharmacist at The Ohio State University Student Health Services, we are. "Students are gregarious and always interacting and mixing with people, especially those that live in dorms and sorority or fraternity houses," says Makarich. When asked about the possible side effects of receiving the vaccine, he said it is "totally safe to take" and that the myth of becoming infected with the virus is "absolutely false!" He admits that the only upset students face is the psychological trauma of being stuck with a needle, and in most of the 1000 vaccines he has administered, patients don't even feel the initial pain. Like any shot, there may be some soreness or redness at the injection site, which will stop within a couple of days. Although some people have been known to have flu-like symptoms as a reaction to the vaccine, Makarich trusts that these effects are mild and can be relieved with an over the counter Ibuprofen.
So is it for you? Senior Mindy Reichling says a resounding no. Not only is the $25 vaccine not covered by her insurance, she is still very skeptical of the possible side affects. "Why would I inject a virus in my body when I've never had the flu? My Grandma got the shot and became really sick. She has not had the shot since, and has not been sick since," said Reichling. Other students see no need for the vaccine, because influenza is not considered life threatening. "There is no sense of urgency for me to receive one," said junior Antonio Arellano. "When the day comes there is a flu epidemic, I'll be at the minute clinic stat!"
We have heard the opinions, and now here are the facts. Influenza is a respiratory illness spread by personal contact. According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), peak flu season in the United States is usually late November through mid March. More than 200,000 people are hospitalized, and about 36,000 people die from the flu every year. Symptoms of the flu can include headache, fever, vomiting, sore throat and runny nose, while more serious complications caused by the flu could lead to bacterial pneumonia, and the worsening of chronic conditions such as asthma or diabetes. Whether or not you choose to receive the vaccine, there is a chance you may become infected with the virus. If you do become sick, the CDC suggests taking antiviral drugs prescribed by your doctor to prevent the flu viruses from reproducing in your body. For best results, take the medication within the first two days of symptoms.
If you are interested in getting the vaccine, Student Health Services offers shot clinics from 4-7 p.m. Nov. 5, 13, 18, 24, and Dec. 2 in room 008-072, or in the pharmacy Monday through Friday 8-11 a.m.
The question remains: Should you risk the potential side effects to gain some piece of mind, or chance spending a week in isolation when it could have been prevented? The choice is yours.
Originally Published: Issue 675 - October 29, 2008
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