Many strains of the flu virus going around this season are not the same as those covered by the influenza vaccine, but receiving the shot is still important as flu season comes to its peak, MSU health officials said. mb

Kathi Braunlichka, marketing and communications manager for Student Health Serviceska, said flu season usually peaks around this time and can last into Aprilka – making now as good a time as any to be vaccinated. mb

This year, Braunlichka said one of the strains mutated, which has caused the vaccine to be less effective. mb

Marketing freshman Chelsea Hayseka said she chose to not get the shot because of the chance of contracting a strain of the flu not covered by the vaccine.

“My parents didn’t want the same thing to happen, where everyone got the shot and it was the wrong kind of shot injected in you,”ka Hayseka said. mb

The Centers for Disease Control and Preventionkaka  estimated receiving the flu vaccine this season will reduce a person’s chance of having to see a doctor because of the flu by 23 percent.kamb

Despite reduced effectiveness, still receiving the shot can prevent infection of a different flu strain. mb

“Even though the vaccine has a reduced impact against that (mutated) virus, it can provide protection against other strains of flu that may circulate this spring,”ka Braunlichka said. mb

No preference freshmanSays psychology in people search -ka Hayley Roukinka received the flu shot this year but said she normally does not.

“My mom is against putting more chemicals in your body,”ka Roukinka said. mb

While some international students might come from a place where only high-risk populations receive the shot, Braunlichka said being vaccinated is recommended for anyone older than 6 months of ageka in the U.S. and Canada. mb

“The important thing for students to know is that colds and flu are very common and spread quickly on the MSU campus,” Braunlichka said. “While a cold is a nuisance, the flu will likely keep a student out of school for a few days and can even result in hospitalization for young, usually healthy people.” mbka

The CDC reported there are no shortages of the vaccine at this time. mb

If a student has the flu, Braunlichka said he or she is likely to recover more quickly by resting in bed and avoiding other people. mb

“Neither colds or flu will benefit from antibiotics, so the best bet is to treat symptoms with over-the-counter medications for fever, cough, congestion or headache,”ka Braunlichka said. mb

While the flu vaccine can be administered to students in Olin Health Center, other area health stores offer vaccinations at a relatively low cost.

RITE AID PHARMACY

Free flu vaccination covered by most insurance.

$31.99 with no insurance.

No appointed needed.

CVS PHARMACY

No-cost flu vaccination with most insurance.

$31.99ka with no insurance.

No appointment needed.

OLIN HEALTH CENTER

Olin bills for the vaccine and administration of the vaccine. Students will be billed for any amount that is not covered by their insurance.

Students without insurance can get a free vaccine at Olin through a grant from the Alana’s Foundation.

“(Students) just have to let the nurse know they don’t have insurance,”ka Braunlichka said. mb