Humber students and faculty gear up for flu season.
By: Erian Amor De Los Reyes
The flu vaccine is offered again this year to anyone who lives, works and goes to school in Ontario, free of charge
As temperatures begin to drop and nearing the negatives, the chances of catching a flu or cold will rise.
Approximately 2,600 pharmacies are participating in administering the vaccine and kids between the ages of five and 17 can either get the injection or nasal spray, the government said in a media statement this week.
“Symptoms of the flu can include fever, cough, muscle aches, sore throat, headache and tiredness,” the government press release says, adding “if you or your children develop flu symptoms, contact your primary care provider.”
“For anyone who has a lower or weakened immune system, I recommend they have the vaccination,” said Monica DaCosta, a Clerical Associate for Diagnostic Image at Brampton Civic Hospital.
However, a lot of people don’t believe it’s necessary to get a flu shot, DaCosta said.
Humber student, Lawrence Puig, says that it’s not necessary for him to have the vaccination because of his good health.
“I don’t really get sick, so I don’t really feel like it’s necessary,” says Puig.
However, DaCosta says there is nothing wrong with getting the vaccine and it varies from person to person.
Cleaning your hands often with soap, sneezing into a tissue or sleeve and disinfecting surfaces will help protect people from the flu.
“Anyone can get the flu. So we’re reminding Ontarians to get the flu shot as soon as it’s available,” Eric Hoskins, Ontario’s Minister of Health, said in Monday’s media statement.