'U' recommends seasonal flu shots

As the flu season approaches, the University Health Service recommends that students get vaccinated to protect themselves in the coming months.

The flu vaccine, which is annually formulated by the Center for Disease Control, is designed to combat the flu during the peak season of December through early March.

Dr. Hernan Drobny, a specialist in internal medicine and director of the Immunization Clinic at UHS, said the influenza vaccine decreases the chances of coming down with Influenza A and B by 75-80 percent. Those who do contract it should have a milder case, he said.

"Those who are afflicted with the disease after vaccination experience milder symptoms and find their health much faster," Drobny said.

Photo illustration by PAUL TALANIAN/Daily University Health Service officials suggest students receive vaccinations to protect themselves from illnesses such as the common cold and the flu in the coming winter months.

Although this year is expected to be a normal year for influenza, Drobny strongly advised students who are at higher risk to receive the shot.

"The first group that we worry about are those people that have heart and lung problems, such as asthma," Drobny said. "This also includes people who have any kind of metabolic diseases like diabetes or kidney disease, or who are on medications that make their immune system not work as well."

Typically, UHS administers 1,200-1,500 shots every year. This year, 300 people already have sought immunization.

"In the past I've gotten sick with the flu and I didn't leave my bed for a week," said LSA senior Jenny Segel. "I don't want that to happen this year, so I got my shot when I first came to school."

But SNRE senior Nate Brill said he doesn't get flu shots because they often make him feel ill.

"I don't worry about getting a shot anymore," Brill said. "I usually feel worse after getting it."

Those worried about getting sick from the shot have nothing to fear, Drobny said. Some people occasionally develop fevers after receiving the shot, but only in rare cases, he said.

"The suggestion that getting a flu shot will give you the flu has no data to back it up," he said, adding that no studies find increased likelihood of infection due to the shots.

Because students live in such close contact with each other on campus, Drobny said there is a much higher chance of spreading illness, though precautions can be taken.

"The flu is a contagious virus spread through the air from salivary and mucus secretions. Washing hands decreases the spread of the virus," said Drobny.

Vaccines are available to students on a walk-in basis at the UHS, which is located near the Michigan League at 207 Fletcher Street. The shots, which come with an $8 fee, are covered by most insurance plans.

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