The 2021 flu season is upon us, and it’s more important now than ever to get your yearly flu shot.

As we are still in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, many health officials worry that this will impact the severity of this year’s flu season, according to an article from Medical News Today. Last year, stricter COVID-19 precautions and restrictions like mask-wearing also helped with limiting other respiratory illnesses like the flu. Because many places have relaxed on what restrictions they enforce, many worry that this will cause an increase in this flu season compared to last year.

It is relatively easy to get your flu shot on campus. Shots are offered at the Health Services building, and you may get the vaccine through a scheduled or walk-in appointment. The vaccine is covered by insurance, and with no insurance, it costs $47.

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“I got one early because I know later I’ll get too busy,” Charlotte Bariteau, a freshman dance major said. “I don’t want to throw off my life further by getting sick, and because of my major it’s especially important for future performances.”

After getting your flu shot, there are more things you can do to prevent sickness–and many of them overlap with how we prevent COVID-19. These include washing your hands regularly, covering your cough, staying home if you are sick and avoiding close contact with those that are sick.

Getting your yearly flu shot benefits you and those around you. Living in a confined building with many other people like a dorm can become a breeding ground for sickness if precautions are not taken, so be sure to do what you can to stay healthy.

News reporter Alexandria Anderson can be reached at alexandria.anderson337@topper.wku.edu.