By Samantha NeudorfNews Editor
The flu has been dubbed as “widespread” throughout the state of New York, according to the CDC—and students would rather go to class than stay in bed.
Joseph Dibble, freshman film major, said he would rather risk his health than recover from the flu, if he ever contracted it.
“With most classes, you can’t miss more than three days without a penalty of sorts,” Dibble said. “So you don’t want to miss too many classes.”
There have been 500 confirmed outbreaks of both influenzas A and B in New York state this season, according to the New York State Department of Health.
Dibble said his sister in high school had the flu and her high school in New Jersey was closed for a day because a large population came to school with the flu and contaminated the buildings.
Although Hofstra has not closed buildings, sophomore Francesca Beer has seen more students than usual going to class sick.
“At least in college, missing a class is a really big deal,” Beer said. “If you miss a class, then you start falling behind, especially when you’re sick. It’s going to be really hard to catch up.”
Beer caught the flu in December during finals week. She did not want to attend class as a courtesy to other students.
“I didn’t go to class at all except to tell a professor that I had the flu, but I kept a napkin over my mouth to prevent spreading it,” Beer said.
She did not think that Hofstra students took enough precautionary measures in protecting other students from getting sick. Sophomore Ashley Amarosa agreed.
“I think people have just taken their own [preventative measures],” Amarosa said. “I take my vitamins, wash my hands regularly, I try not to touch anything. I’m not to scared about [getting] it.”
Dr. Maureen Houck of the Hofstra Wellness Center said that the Wellness Center provides services to prevent the flu.
“The number one way to prevent the flu is to get vaccinated,” Houck said.
Houck shared that the Hofstra Wellness Center provides vaccinations for $10.
Dibble received a vaccination from the Wellness Center back in October or November. He wanted the flu shot for his own protection.
“I don’t know what [the chances of getting the flu] are for the rest of the winter,” Dibble said. “But I’m not worried.”
However, Beer has had a negative experience with flu vaccinations.
Beer has gotten the flu five times in her life. Four of these times happened days after she received the vaccination.
“I probably won’t [get the flu shot again]. Because I find that if I don’t get a shot, I’m normally better off,” Beer said.
Houck also recommended to wash your hands frequently and do not cough into your hands.
Students like Amarosa and Dibble are not concerned about the flu and will continue going to class.
“It’s the same thing every year,” Dibble said. “It’s always the ‘worst flu’ every year.”