The Flu Season is Still in Season

 Student Elena Gonzales gets the flu shot every year. She says it makes her feel safer.

“I did get it this year. I feel like it has helped me especially being in a new environment and being in the dorms and stuff,” Gonzales said.

The CDC says at least 22 million people caught the flu last year. Twelve thousand people died in the past year in the United States. In California alone, 249 people died in the past four months. Still, some people are discouraged from getting their annual flu shot.

 Health Education Specialist Valerie Martinez says that not all rumors about flu shots are true.

“There’s a lot of what is it rumors and some conspiracies and I hear a lot of people say that it may cause certain disorders like autism but that has been disproven with studies. Also, they do say that they don’t want to get it because it does give them the flu, but it’s not really the case. Sometimes it can be a different infection.”

Political Science Major Elizabeth Morales says the flu is a big medical problem and more people should learn about its causes and symptoms.

  “Yeah, that way we can stop the flu and maybe more people can get recovered if they have the flu,” Morales said.

  Protecting your health is important. If you choose to get a flu shot, there are many affordable options like free shot clinics during peak season. You could also check your local health department for more information on flu shots you can afford.