Correction: The story should have said the influenza vaccine is recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for anyone who is younger than 5, pregnant, older than 50, has certain medical conditions that might weaken the immune system or is considered high risk due to increased exposure to the flu.

Dr. D,

My mother said to go to Olin to get a flu shot. Is this really necessary? I never get the flu.

- Flu-less in East Lansing

Dear Flu-less,

Thanks Flu-less! You would think this would be an easy one to answer, and I really thought about just giving you the simple "Mr. Rogers" type of response like, "Neighbor, don't get caught … get the shot," but then I thought, "Do I really want students to make their medical decisions based on WWMRD (What Would Mr. Rogers Do)?"

You see, the answer is not as simple as just saying "yes" or "no" to the shot. The fact is that I can't tell you if getting the flu vaccine is the most necessary thing for you to do. Although most of my colleagues in the medical community would say that getting the shot is a slam-dunk decision, when pressed, they will admit the decision on who should get it, how effective it will be and how necessary it is for this age group is more like a shot in the dark. We are not always sure which strains may be the ones around town these days or who is most susceptible or whether or not the shot will be effective.

The best thing I can do for you is to help educate you about the flu and the vaccine, and then you can make your own decision on how best to avoid the flu. It's the "neighborly" thing to do!

There are basically three types of the influenza virus: A, B and C. Type A is the most common, most frequent and most virulent form and causes most major epidemics and pandemics. Although type B hangs out with A, it usually causes a less severe form of influenza. The C virus usually causes symptoms similar to a cold and is thought to be mild.

The main type of flu shot is a vaccine that contains a weakened version of the three strains of what is thought to be the most abundant form of the flu. The types included are usually based on educated predictions by the World Health Organization. Your body then develops antibodies to protect you against these strains of the flu.

The flu shot is not recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for anyone who is younger than 5, pregnant, older than 50, has certain medical conditions that might weaken the immune system or are considered high risk due to increased exposure to the flu. You should NOT have a flu shot if you have an allergy to egg, have had a reaction to the flu vaccine in the past or if you currently have a fever or other flu-like symptoms.

The flu can be deadly, but most of the deaths caused by flu and pneumonia are among people who are older than 65. And although we have some students who are this age and older, they are a very small minority. However, having said that, you should know that most MSU students live in very close proximity to each other. Nearly 84 percent of students reported last year that they had a cold or the flu, and 28 percent of those also reported that it affected their academics. The bigger concern for your age group is getting the flu and then passing it to folks who are much older and/or at higher risk for serious consequences if they get the flu.

Now, even if you decide to get the flu vaccine, it should not be your first line of defense. The best thing is to do your best to avoid the viruses that cause colds and flu. You do this by always keeping your hands clean and washed during the cold and flu season. Additionally, you should have a well-balanced diet, exercise regularly and make sure you manage your stress.

When it comes to necessity, the folks who need the flu vaccine most are those who work in the health care industry. The problem is that the vaccine's production and distribution has become very political and corporate. Many of the mid-Michigan health care facilities, including those at MSU, were not shipped the vaccine they ordered in January, while most of the corporate mega-stores in the area have plenty to sell to the masses. The people who most need it and can best stop the spread of it are forsaken so that the mega-stores and drug companies can make a profit.

Mr. Rogers really would not think this was "neighborly."

The biggest necessity is for you to be educated and know how to best avoid it. If you want the shot, Olin will have it available soon. Until then, remember that during the cold and flu season, if someone extends their hand to you and asks, "Won't you be my neighbor?" the best thing might be to just say, "No, not until you have washed." Mr. Rogers would approve.

Peace on, Dudette.

Dr. D.

Dennis Martell, Ph.D., is a coordinator of Olin Health Education and writes a weekly health column. Submit questions to msandu@statenews.com.