With the beginning of fall and winter underway, many changes occur. The leaves begin to fall, the days slowly become shorter, and of course, flu season is already in the making. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, media and doctors are recommending that everyone from children to adults make a visit to receive their annual influenza/flu vaccine. They believe that receiving a flu shot will not only drastically decrease the chances of an individual contracting the flu, but also increase the chances of those around that person staying healthy.

Students have mixed feelings about getting vaccinations not only this year, but all years. Some believe it is a waste of time and usually ineffective. Bailey Brogan, ’16, says his experiences with annual flu vaccinations have not helped him. He claims every year he has gotten the flu shot he has still ended up ill later in the winter season.

“I don’t plan on getting a flu shot this year,” Brogan said. “I’ve gotten one the past few years, and have still gotten sick in the later parts of flu season. I think shots work for some people, but not for me.”

On the contrary, some students credit their health in the past to receiving an early flu shot. Junior Andrew Moore believes the flu shot is why he does not get sick. He believes if more people got it, it would decrease the likelihood of everyone catching it.

“I get a flu shot every year,” Moore said. “I haven’t gotten the flu in a couple years, and I think it’s primarily because I got my flu shot. I think one of the main reasons people get the flu is because they know someone or someone in their family has the flu and they come into contact with them. I think if everyone got a flu shot that would drastically decrease the number of illnesses occurring annually.”

Yet despite students opinions of views of flu shots, a very large majority of experts and doctors agree a flu shot is the best way to prevent the spread of the illness. Researchers say the more people can influence those they are close with to get the vaccine, the better. International students were forced to get flu shots before their arrival in America. Xiao Ke Li, 16′, says he is glad he got a shot before he left. He believes it is the reason why he hasn’t had a flu since living in America.

“When I was in jr. high, I was forced to get a flu shot before I could come to America,” Li said. “I wasn’t sure if it would be worth it at the time, but now I’m glad I did. I’ve been in America for a year and a half now and have not gotten sick. I think it’s from those shots.”

Despite students various opinions, most doctors recommend receiving a shot. Dr. Richard Insco, an ER doctor at Children’s Hospital, believes the sooner a person gets the shot the better. He also agrees people with chronic health problems should consult their doctor before receiving a vaccine.

“Most healthy high school students will recover if they get the flu,” Dr. Insco said. “But, protecting yourself isn’t the only reason to get a vaccine. Failure to get a flu shot means other family members or people with chronic health problems at home or at school could be at risk. Not receiving a vaccine could endanger them. High risk students include anybody with an underlying medical problem. This can include something as common as asthma here in the valley.”

Dr. Insco also says that shots are readily available to the public and claims they are not too much of an inconvenience.

“You can get a flu vaccine at almost any drug store such as CVS, Walgreens, or even Walmart,” Insco said. “However if you do have any conical medical problems, it would be beneficial for your doctor to know before you got one. It’s still not too late to get a shot. Flu season can peak as late as February or March. It takes about two weeks to develop the anti-bodies after the vaccine. So if you haven’t had your shot yet, there is still time.”

Whether or not people have received a flu shot or plan on doing so, it is clear doctors recommend it. With the cooperation of all the community we can make this flu season healthier than those in the past.

For more information, read Key facts about influenza and flue vaccine on the Centers for Disease Control and Preventionwebsite.

This writer can be reached via Twitter: @JustinHFeather.

This writer can be reached via Twitter: @JustinHFeather. For more features, read the Nov. 13 article, Non-profit director organizes holiday boutique.