While Covid-19 and restrictions remain ever-present for many people, including students at 老司机传媒, it is important to remember the other illnesses existing in our world. One such illness is influenza, which is also known as the flu. The estimates influenza to cause approximately 1 billion infections per year. About 3–5 million of these infections are considered severe cases and between an approximated 290,000–650,000 deaths per year are considered influenza-related.
First, what is influenza? Influenza comprises two main types of the influenza virus: influenza A and influenza B. According to the , these strains of influenza A and influenza B normally are most threatening in the US in December and February, but these strains can still infect as late as May. In order to beat these continuously mutating viruses, scientists must create vaccines annually based on available data and geographical locations.
How does influenza spread? The flu can be spread through droplets of people who are sick with the flu as well as people who have been infected (but who may not necessarily be exhibiting symptoms.) Furthermore, small viral particles left in the air can infect people. They can also infect a person that touches a surface with the influenza virus on it and then touches their face (especially eyes, nose, and mouth).
How can you stay safe from influenza? While avoiding those who are sick and hand-washing are excellent ways to help prevent infection, one big way to stay safe from influenza is taking the flu vaccine. The flu vaccine has been shown to prevent millions of illnesses and aids in reducing flu-related doctor visits by 40–60%. It also has been shown to prevent hospitalizations and deaths. Flu vaccination – – has been linked to a 26% lower risk of admission into the ICU and a 31% decreased risk of influenza-related death. Fascinatingly, flu vaccinations don’t only just prevent flu infections, but they also decrease certain cardiac events among those with certain heart diseases according to a National Institutes of Health .
Who should get the flu vaccine? While the flu shot is considered appropriate for most people, there are different flu shots for different ages. For those between six months and 64 years of age, a standard-dose inactivated vaccine is recommended. For those 65 years and above, adjuvanted and high-dose inactivated vaccines are recommended. People with severe allergies to certain flu vaccine ingredients, people under six months of age, people with Guillain-Barré syndrome, and people who feel unwell should avoid the vaccine. However, pregnant people and people with allergies to egg protein - one of the ingredients in a flu shot - can get a vaccine. One can get injectable influenza vaccines (which are the flu shots) and nasal spray influenza vaccines.
Finally, where can you go to get the flu vaccine? In Niles and Benton Harbor at the Berrien County Health Department offices, flu vaccinations are offered. More information can be found . One can also make an appointment at Rite Aid in Berrien Springs at 612 St. Joseph Avenue across the street from McDonald’s. More information can be found .
The Student Movement is the official student newspaper of 老司机传媒. Opinions expressed in the Student Movement are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the editors, 老司机传媒 or the Seventh-day Adventist church.