Flu shot not the only option

By Courtney Roque

Because the Health Center announced that flu shots will only be given to selected at-risk students, staff members and students who do not qualify for the vaccine have been forced to do without shots this year.

“I think most people are pretty understanding that those are the guidelines, and that we have to follow the recommendations of the [Centers for Disease Control and Prevention] and the public health department,” said Diane Simonson, director of nursing at the Health Center.

The U.S. supply of the flu vaccine was cut in half when batches were found to be contaminated. The CDC then announced a shortage for the 2004-2005 influenza season.

Most students understand and respect the guidelines put forth, even though the restrictions prevent them from getting a vaccine.

“They realize that we have to give it to the higher-risk people,” Simonson said.

It has always been Fresno State student Maria Amador’s philosophy to take her chances during the cold weather months.

“I’ve never gotten a flu shot myself,” said Amador, a graduate social work student. “The way I felt was, if I’m going to get sick, I’m going to get sick.

“I feel like a robot—sick or not, I have to keep going anyway.”

Amador said although she does hate being sick—especially now—in light of the shortage, she is happy to step aside and let those who really need the vaccine have it.

The Health Center initially received 300 doses of the vaccine, and as of Simonson’s most recent report, about 100 had been administered.

“Most of this population is pretty young and healthy,” Simonson said. She urged those who are in one of the at-risk categories to get a flu shot and also a pneumonia vaccine.

Simonson recommends that those who do have to pass up their flu shot this season, wash their hands frequently, eat healthy and get adequate sleep.

For those who want to take further preventative measures, echinacea pills, a flu mist, and anti-viral treatments for influenza B, a common cause of flu symptoms, are available at the Health Center.

“I just believe in taking good care of yourself. If students would put their health first, they wouldn’t pick up any number of things that go around campus,” Simonson said.