Despite Long Beach’s summerlike weather, Student Health Services has already set about preparing students for the upcoming winter and flu season.
SHS hosted a flu shot clinic in the University Student Union ballroom at Cal State Long Beach yesterday from 1 p.m. 5 p.m.
According to Angela Girard, R.N. associated director at SHS, there are not a lot of cases of the flu this year on campus. However, since it is still early in the season, the health center still wants to prepare CSULB students for the winter months.
That is, CSULB is giving students and professors the opportunity to get a flu shot for only $15 this week on Tuesday and Thursday.
“It’s very important if anyone comes to the clinic and they suspect that they have a flu, they should put on a mask right away,” she said.
Covering your mouth when you cough, washing your hands and cleaning surfaces are also ways to prevent the flu from being spread, according to Girard. Also, using hand sanitizer supplied on campus can reduce the risk of getting the flu virus.
“Most people are unable to get out of bed, have body aches, muscle aches, things like that,” Girard said.
Journalism major Arianna Nevins said that she is cautious of getting vaccinations.
“A few years ago, when the swine flu was a big epidemic, three of my friends got the shot for it, and they became sick from the shot,” she said. “So I am very afraid to go near flu shots, even though they sound like a good idea.”
Girard said she expected more than a hundred people would get a flu shot yesterday afternoon based on past history. However, Health Resource Center Coordinator Heidi Burkey said that more than 71 people came to get the flu shot within one hour yesterday.
“We expect to give at least 300 flu shots at the end of the day,” she said.
Girard also recommended that students take the flu vaccine now so they have protection throughout the entire flu season.
Nursing major Thao Phan said she went to take the flu shot to reduce her chance of getting sick and missing her midterms and finals.
Film major David Nievas, however, said he saw the signs around the campus about the flu shots, but he did not plan on taking it.
“I don’t trust flu shots,” he said. “It’s a dead strain of the virus itself. It’s a chance. It’s going to make you sick itself, and that’s what I am afraid of.”
Nursing major Chris Golves said he thinks getting sick from the flu shot might be a myth.
“People don’t get sick from the physical flu shot itself, because it’s an inactive form of the virus, so for people to get sick from the flu shot is not possible,” he said. “What may happen is it takes two weeks for the virus to incubate and for you to prevent its symptoms. So, maybe you contracted it before your flu shots, which is why your sick around the same time you take it.”
Girard said CSULB offers a great deal for the flu shot. It would usually cost someone at least $25 in a retail pharmacy.
The clinic will also be held Thursday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the USU ballrooms. Students can make an appointment at the SHS to get a flu shot.