SEARCY, Ar. (LP) — Although it’s not even flu season, or even the season for the cases of colds and other sickening colds for america. This year it’s coming back even harder and worse for us here in arkansas. There have been many cases of the flu documented in Searcy itself, it is very worried of all the staff here at Searcy High School that the students need to get their flu shots this year. Many have wondered that does the flu shot actually work? The flu vaccine, causes antibodies to develop in the body after a few weeks after the vaccination. These antibodies provide protection against infection with the viruses that are in the vaccine. The flu vaccine protects against the influenza although that research indicates will be most common during the upcoming season. Some families do worry about their children getting the shot, only due to the cost of one. In most of times, schools do offer free flu vaccines for the students that are granted to get one. “They are changing the vaccines this year, with more and better strands of the flu this year, so hopefully they’ll hit it more on the mark this year.” stated by Becky Vanwinkle. In some case, if you were to go to your local pharmacy or clinic it could sometimes run up to $25 – $30 per shot. Some insurance companies will cover the costs but will require a copay.

Here at Searcy High School there has already been one flu case confirmed, that’s excluding all of the other schools in the Searcy School District. Becky Vanwinkle, the SHS nurse stated, “People think that the flu shot gives them the flu, but in the shot it’s just antibodies that buildup to be able to protect you against it.”  “As far as hand washing, holding hands, staying away from those that are sick, sharing utensils, and kissing with others are ones to watch out for” said by Mrs. Vanwinkle. To be able to be present and not be sent home from having an illness, you must be 24 hours free of fevers without any medication.  Although the flu is still making an impact on the community of Searcy, there is between 25-50 million cases reported. Out of those millions, 200,000 are hospitalized and 23,600 die due to the seasonal flu. For more information about statics about the flu contact your local public health unit. There are many ways to determine if someone has the flu different from a cold. It may be very difficult at time to determine what kind of sickness one has. Special tests that usually must be done within the first few days of illness can tell if a person has the flu. People with colds are more likely to have a runny or stuffy nose. Colds do not result in serious health problems, such as pneumonia, bacteria infections, or hospitalizations. The flu can have very serious associated complications. You should get the flu vaccine before the flu begins spreading in your community. It takes about two weeks after vaccination for antibodies that protect against flu to develop in the body, so make plans to get vaccinated early in fall, before flu season begins.