Now that it is flu season, many students have started to cough and sneeze without realizing who it affects. Scared you might catch something? The best way to avoid the flu is by getting a flu shot.

Many people avoid getting a flu shot because they believe they never get sick or they think they can avoid the flu. Just because the flu might not directly affect you, it does affect the people around you. If you’re around babies or elderly people it is very important that you get the shot because if you get sick it is very easy for them to get sick as well.

People who have other serious medical conditions such as asthma, heart problems, diabetes or HIV need to get a flu shot because if they get sick it can lead to worse health conditions.  Also, teens who take a large amount of aspirin can develop Reye syndrome if they catch the flu. Reye syndrome is a disease that causes the brain and liver to swell and also lowers the level of blood glucose.

Afraid of needles? The flu shot now comes in nasal mist but the mist cannot be given to everyone. People with severe asthma, a week immune system, heart or kidney disease, or diabetes should not receive the vaccine as a mist. Like any medicine, the mist also has side affects such as a runny nose, congestion, irritability, sore throat, and a headache. Though the mist is relatively new, studies show that the flu mist is just as effective as the flu shot.

Since the body needs time to build up immunity against the flu, it is best to get the shot in October or November. The flu shot is best way to avoid the flu but you can also steer clear of it by washing your hands and trying not to touch to your nose or mouth. To help prevent the flu from spreading, remember to cover your mouth when you cough and your nose when you sneeze.