TULSA, Okla. — Flu season is here, and the push to get vaccinated is strong, especially when about half the nation plans to get the shot.
This year, 52% of U.S. adults plan to get vaccinated, according to the National Foundation for Infectious Diseases.
The flu is a contagious disease spread around the U.S. every year, usually between October and May.
Lorie Just, Marketing and Public Relations Coordinator for the Tulsa Health Department, says, “Symptoms you may see would probably be coughing, sneezing, having those chills and body aches.”
Each year, thousands in the U.S. die from the flu, and many more are hospitalized.
In Oklahoma, there were over 3,000 hospitalizations, last season, and 88 deaths.
“The flu can be unpredictable. You never know what it’s going to look like from year to year. We have seen higher flu hospitalizations and deaths in years prior.”
Regardless of the numbers, some believe the vaccine ups flu chances.
Bailey Moore, a Tulsa resident who has never gotten the shot, says, “Everyone in my family has always believed, if you get the flu shot, you’ll get the flu.”
The Center for Disease Control says the influenza vaccine does not cause the flu.
“I think people have hesitations about immunizations, but they are, truly, the best protection that you have,” says Just.
The risks with getting the flu shot include: fever, aches, and allergic reaction.
