Flu peak season around the corner

By Jamie Karras

Knock it out before it knocks you out.

Coughing, fever, stuffy nose and aches, all symptoms of the flu, can be easily
avoided with one simple shot.

“If you’re not immunized you should get immunized,” said Diane Poulson, a registered nurse at the Bear River Health Department.

Every year, studies of different forms of the flu are done in order to determine the vaccine needed for that year. This is because the flu mutates.

One strain, or type, is picked from three major continents to watch. Along
with this, hospitals are required to report all positive flu cultures confirmed to be one of the strains to the state health department, said Poulson. This active surveillance plays a big role in determining the vaccine used.

Starting Oct. 6, flu vaccinations will be offered at the Health Department for
$15. Utah State University’s Student Health and Wellness Center will offer
them starting Oct. 27 for $10. This is a fraction of the cost of cold remedies needed upon actually having the flu.

“By the time you pay for the test and pay for medication the cost will be six
or seven times the cost of the immunization,” said Dr. Jim Davis, director of
the Student Health and Wellness Center.

Poulson says there is a high concentration of people seeking the vaccine
during the first three months that it is offered. The flu bug is still in the air months from then however.

“It’s never too late to get immunized,” said Poulson. She said the Health Department offers the vaccine clear until April. “We have a fairly good turn out, but we could always see a few more,” said Poulson.

Now the vaccine is recommended for children 6 months and older because their immune systems are not completely equip to yet. It is also recommended for people 50 years and up and for people who just plain don’t want to get sick. It is utilized greatly by the elderly, said Poulson.

The injection can occasionally result in some side effects such as soreness
where the injection was given, or a low-grade fever. This year, there is an
alternative to the injection called Flu Mist, which is a nasal spray.

However, Poulson said it is not for everyone. It is only recommended for
people ages 4 to 46, and is discouraged for people with immune system
problems.

The flu will go away, but why risk even having it.

“I plan to get the shot,” said Ashlie Wilson, a sophomore at USU majoring in
Elementary Education. “I’m around children all day, I can’t afford to be sick. If I can avoid further stress with something that takes just a second
to do, I’ll do it."

“I wouldn’t go a year without one,” said Poulson.

MP
MP