SEARCY, AR (LP) — It’s fall again and a major concern for several parents and teachers this season is how to keep the germs away during flu season. This is incredibly important as, according to the CDC, over 48 million people contracted the flu virus. That number doesn’t include those infected with other diseases that pass around during the fall and winter months. So the key question, is what are the best ways to stay healthy when so much illness is going around?

Amy Dutton, the nurse at Searcy High School, says that it is important to “get plenty of rest, stay hydrated, cough into your elbow… have a well-balanced diet to ward off colds and things like that, and good hand-washing.” And these are but only a few of the ways one can combat illness. Dutton also recommends the use of Clorox wipes to wipe down any surface that may collect bacteria or other pathogens.

Though, the more controversial thing is vaccination with many concerned about its efficacy and the possibility of vaccine-borne disease. However, Dutton state, “You do not get the flu from the flu shot because it is a dead virus. However, once you get the flu shot, it doesn’t really take full effect until a few weeks. So, if you come in contact with someone that has the flu, you can still get it.” She follows that should someone be unable to receive the flu vaccine, those around them must be vaccinated. This would decrease the chances of a passer-by infecting the unvaccinated with the flu.

However, the flu vaccine is a highly debated subject. Some call for vaccination as the best protection and others describe it as useless. Many students don’t vaccinate merely out of not feeling a real need to receive the flu shot. In fact, in Searcy, it isn’t a battle of Pro-Vax and Anti-Vax, but a battle between people with no interest in vaccination and those who push for vaccination.

So as you make your way about your daily commute, be sure to watch for the dangers posed by influenza and other wintry diseases. And should you wish to vaccinate or simply receive a check-up, Searcy High School will be holding a Flu Clinic on November 8th. Also, the Beebe Health Department will have extended hours on October 10th from 3-6 p.m. and the Searcy Health Unit will have extended hours on October 22nd from 3-6 p.m.