By Kim Saltmarsh
As the flu season starts up this year, the University Health and Wellness Center is encouraging students and faculty to get a flu shot, even those who are convinced they will not get sick.
"We have flu immunizations," said Maureen Houck, the director of the Wellness Center and a family nurse practitioner. "We encourage every student to have one done."
Students and faculty can get a flu shot for $15 at the Wellness Center. "We have been giving them out for about three weeks," Houck said. "There are over 190 vaccines left. We will give them out as long as we have them up until January."
"I got a flu shot just a couple of weeks ago," said Jackie Gargiulo, a sophomore. "[I am living] in the dorms and if anyone got sick it wouldn't be that bad. I wouldn't catch it."
However, some students are critical of the flu shots effects.
"I didn't think it was necessary. The flu shot doesn't protect you from all the flu's," said Jen Sullivan, a sophomore. "It only protects you from three strings, and I'm just bound to get one of the other flu's not in the vaccination."
Still, Gargiulo's mother said she felt better knowing her daughter had a flu immunization.
"Anything that can be prevented, I believe in," said Eileen Gargiulo, Jackie's mother. "[The shot] is better than the consequences."
Gargiulo's father agreed, adding that getting the flu takes valuable time out of the day. "We don't want Jackie to miss any school," said Anthony Gargiulo. "We don't let [our children] miss anything."
"Influenza can knock you off your feet for seven to 10 days," Houck said.
Despite the consequences of the flu, some people still do not get the flu shot. Many people are just too busy or they think they will not get sick, according to the director.
Other people unwilling to get the flu shot may be misinformed. "They think they are going to get the flu just by getting the shot," Gargiulo said. "It's a misconception."
Whether you passed on the flu shot this year or you just contracted the flu, it can be a very uncomfortable feeling. "I would suggest staying in bed," said Houck. "Drink lots of fluids, any kind you like. Remember to wash your hands and carrying around hand sanitizer is always a great idea."
The Wellness Center gave out one-third its the flu immunizations to students. It is still offering flu vaccinations for this year's flu season. "Each year in the United States, 37,000 people die from influenza," Houck said. "The problem with these viruses is that there is no cure."
Posters warning students of the flu hang on the walls in residence halls such as Republic Hall.