You could prevent the flu this way… or you could simply get the flu shot.

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Now, I know the H1N1 virus has been inflated by the media to be this epidemic. Remember everyone, epidemic does not equal mass death.

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The H1N1 vaccine will be available for UMASS Lowell students at a later date. We are still expected to get both the seasonal flu shot and the H1N1 Vaccine in order to be fully protected from the impending storm of sickness.

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I understand that there have been some concerns that getting a flu shot actually gives you the flu. In a way, yes that is true. But it’s an inactivated virus. That means that the virus is not working and is simply injected into your body so your body may capture it, recognize it, learn what makes it tick, destroy it, and create a memory of self-defense against the flu’s genes.

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It’s the loose equivalent to giving a basketball player a deflated ball. He/she won’t be able to play with the ball, but he/she will inspect it and decide, “oh… the texture of this ball will make playing with it really difficult anyway. I’ll never use this type of ball ever.”

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So, do yourself a favor and get the flu shots. It’s offered through our school for 15$ which is much less than what you’d be spending on flu medicine, soup, and missing school work. Also, wash your hands with soap and avoid hand-to-face contact.

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Take care, everyone, and stay healthy!

-Ben Nguyen