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Flu prevention gets a shot in the arm with the latest vaccine
by Don Asdel
Influenza, commonly referred to as "the flu," is the sixth leading cause of death in the United
States, according to the National Center for Health Statistics.
According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, influenza is associated with 20,000
deaths and more than 100,000 hospitalizations in the United States annually.
To protect against influenza, which is a viral infection of the respiratory tract, UH-Clear Lake's
Health Center is providing flu vaccines on a limited basis for $10.
"Vaccination reduces the severity of influenza," said Susan L. Prihoda, director of Health and
Disabilities Services and a family nurse practitioner. "It is important to build immunity now so you
are protected by December, which is typically the start of flu season."
Although high-risk groups include people 65 years or older and people of any age with chronic
health problems or diseases, exposure factors play an important role.
"In this community of 9,000 people, there is a risk of high exposure," Prihoda said. "Because of
the concentration in small spaces, one person can easily give it to 40 in no time at all."
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the vaccine produced in the United
States cannot cause influenza, because it is made from a killed virus. However, because the vaccine
strains must be chosen nine to 10 months in advance of flu season, the vaccine is not 100 percent
effective.
"I got a flu shot several years ago, but I will never do it again," said Tonia Pedersen,
undergraduate accounting major. "You get the flu from it and then your family gets it. I got the
full-force effects of the flu, and it was self-induced."
Studies conducted by the CDC show that most vaccines are 70 to 90 percent effective among healthy
young adults. Because the flu vaccine does not guarantee prevention, some people choose not to
participate in vaccinations.
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