2008 Woodie Awards
Health center on guard for flu
Carmen Ng
Issue date: 10/22/07 Section: News
- Page 1 of 1
Every year in the United States, an average of 20 percent of the population gets the flu, 200,000 people are hospitalized from flu complications, and about 36,000 people die from flu, said Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
"The best way to prevent flu is to get a flu shot every year," said Sharon Bartels of the health center.
The flu shot is an inactivated vaccine made from three strains of dead flu viruses. It is recommended for all ages and there is no side effect to it, she said.
"I think it's a good thing to have, especially if they have kids in the house," said Lori Belcher, student. "The more people get it, the safer we'll be. Once I have the time, I will get it."
The health center offers flu shots every year. Each shot costs $10, but during the health fair on Oct. 31 it will be free from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the cafeteria, said Gloria D'Ambra of the health center.
Flu season beings in October and ends in May.
"The best time to get vaccinated is "now (October or November), it takes two weeks for it to start working," said Bartels.
Influenza (Flu) is a respiratory illness with symptoms such as fever, headache, tiredness, muscle aches, running nose, coughing and sore throat. It can be spread by touching objects with flu viruses on it or from people to people through sneezing and coughing.
Most people get well within three to five days after they catch the flu, but serious flu complications such as bacterial pneumonia, dehydration, asthma, diabetes, or heart failure can occur in elderly people, young children or people with chronic medical conditions, according to the CDC.
Although flu shots are said to be the most effective way to prevent flu, some students are not planning to get vaccinated. "I don't think it's useful and I don't have the time," said student Henry Wong.
Another way of reducing the risk of getting the flu is to "stay out of crowds and hand washing," said Bartels.
"The best way to prevent flu is to get a flu shot every year," said Sharon Bartels of the health center.
The flu shot is an inactivated vaccine made from three strains of dead flu viruses. It is recommended for all ages and there is no side effect to it, she said.
"I think it's a good thing to have, especially if they have kids in the house," said Lori Belcher, student. "The more people get it, the safer we'll be. Once I have the time, I will get it."
The health center offers flu shots every year. Each shot costs $10, but during the health fair on Oct. 31 it will be free from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the cafeteria, said Gloria D'Ambra of the health center.
Flu season beings in October and ends in May.
"The best time to get vaccinated is "now (October or November), it takes two weeks for it to start working," said Bartels.
Influenza (Flu) is a respiratory illness with symptoms such as fever, headache, tiredness, muscle aches, running nose, coughing and sore throat. It can be spread by touching objects with flu viruses on it or from people to people through sneezing and coughing.
Most people get well within three to five days after they catch the flu, but serious flu complications such as bacterial pneumonia, dehydration, asthma, diabetes, or heart failure can occur in elderly people, young children or people with chronic medical conditions, according to the CDC.
Although flu shots are said to be the most effective way to prevent flu, some students are not planning to get vaccinated. "I don't think it's useful and I don't have the time," said student Henry Wong.
Another way of reducing the risk of getting the flu is to "stay out of crowds and hand washing," said Bartels.
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