By Zion Decoteau
Autumn is upon us once again. Tis the season for cooler temperatures, warm pumpkin spice anything, hoodies, uggs, timberlands, and unfortunately — the flu!
The Centers for Disease Control estimates that the flu has resulted in anywhere from about nine million to 49 million illnesses and 12,000 to 79,000 deaths each year in the United States since 2010.
Luckily, Brooklyn College’s health clinic, which is located in 114 Roosevelt Hall, offers the vaccine for free. Weblyn Michel is a Family Nurse Practitioner and the Associate Director of Brooklyn College’s health clinic. Michel told WBCR that the clinic has been getting moderate volume of students this semester. Likewise, the amount of flu vaccinations they’ve given has also been moderate, given that it’s only the beginning of flu season. Those who did get vaccinated at the clinic, have shown little doubt concerning the vaccine’s effectiveness, Michel said.
60% of Americans believe the flu shot is the most effective form of preventing influenza, but only 52% planned on receiving one, according to a National Foundation for Infectious Diseases survey.
Health experts affirm that the flu vaccine is the best weapon in combating the flu. Studies show the flu shot reduces one’s chances of getting the illness between 40% and 60%. Moreover, even if you do get sick, the vaccine is shown to reduce the number of sick days.
WBCR polled five students just outside the health clinic in Roosevelt Hall. Three said they were unaware there even was a clinic on campus. Four of the five students said they weren’t completely convinced of the vaccine’s effectiveness. One of the skeptics, a young man, claimed he was especially doubtful because he received the vaccine last year, only to still come down with the flu. Another of the skeptics, a young woman, said she would rather receive the vaccine at a hospital or doctor’s office, rather than a campus clinic.
Flu season begins in October and lasts through May. Cases typically peak between December and February, as reported by the CDC.