Adams Highlanders are worried about getting sick with the flu season; however, many parents are at odds with choosing to vaccinate or not. There are many who choose to vaccinate but many who do not. Highlanders have different opinions on vaccines. Students may see them as redundant, as they may only make them sick. However, many see it as a safety shield against the flu. Either way, the flu vaccine this year is especially controversial.

A large part of this argument is that many parents may see the shot as just another way their child gets exposed to the flu. Nevertheless, this is not the case as the virus is dead in the actual vaccine.

“Some people do feel bad after: muscle aches, low grade fever, achy arm…it means your immune system is having a response, which is what we want,” said freelance writer and author of “The flu shot: The myths, the facts and why doctors recommend It,” Nicole Spector.

There are many downsides to not getting the vaccine as well. If one were to get the flu and then get the vaccine, it would not cure the patient.

“After you’ve had your shot, it takes about two weeks for immunity against the flu virus to develop,” said health major and author of “What You Can Do About the Raging Flu” Rachael Rettner.

For this very reason many students and parents should be urged to get the vaccine as soon as possible, and if one gets the vaccine now, it is good up until the spring. Without it, there is a risk for fever, chest pain, sore throat, and many other health problems.

“When I was younger, my mom didn’t make me get the vaccine, and during school I got very sick. The flu vaccine for me is a psychological thing. If people get it, they are less likely to get the flu, and for me, it makes me feel safer knowing that my immune system is prepared,” said sophomore Emma Flowney.

Getting the flu vaccine protects the immune system from the flu. While the flu vaccine may not prevent all flu-like systems, it will decrease the severity of the sickness if you do get the flu.

Although there are places where the flu is less pervasive, it is more likely for large towns and cities to have a flu outbreak than in a rural town. The immunity will prevent against a growth of the virus; especially in closed quarter-like school and work spaces. Aside from aiding one individual, the shot also prevents spreading.

This flu season, it would be a good idea to get vaccinated. It prevents individuals from spreading the disease, as well as lowering the amount of people at risk.