The influenza virus affects millions around the world each year. During this recent flu season, there have been elevated concerns about the health risks the flu virus may pose to Americans in particular.

Fears of dangerous strains of the flu virus initiating a deadly epidemic have led to many people taking measures to protect themselves from the virus.

“Taken together with the fact that influenza virus is readily accessible and may be causing more deaths than previously suspected, the possibility for genetic engineering and aerosol transmission suggests an enormous potential for bioterrorism,” scientists at the University of Texas said. Getting a flu vaccination is one of the most popular methods that Americans implement to avoid the possible consequences of contracting the flu.

“It is our hope that because strains were included in the vaccine that was developed, there will be some protection against that strain,” said Rhonda Smith, a spokesperson for the Center for Disease Control on their Web site.

Smith was referring to the Fujian strain of influenza, a strain that researchers say can potentially cause devastating outbreaks in the United States and Europe. The strain gets its name from the Fujian province in China where it originated.

The CDC recommends that the elderly, young children and women in the late stages of pregnancy should receive a flu vaccination. The aforementioned groups are at greater risk of suffering serious complications as a result of having the flu.

However, the CDC recommends that people who may have allergic reactions to hens’ eggs or those who have developed Guillian-Barre syndrome (GBS) after getting flu vaccinations not get vaccinated.

Health officials also recommend implementing “common sense” methods to prevent contracting the flu. Avoiding contact with those who have the flu virus and washing hands frequently can help prevent contracting the flu. Since a virus causes the flu, taking antibiotics will not make it go away.

Altering dietary habits can also decrease the chance of contracting the flu. Decreasing or eliminating the consumption of antibiotic fed meat, refined sugar and bleached flour can help promote a healthier immune system. Increasing intake of foods high in vitamins and minerals, particularly vitamin C, can also have beneficial effects on decreasing a person’s chance of getting the flu.

“We have seen students with the flu- I can’t tell you how many,” said Charlene Pence, a nurse with the Student Health Center. “We started seeing people for the flu in November, but most providers have not seen the flu since (we got back from break).”

The public health department has a free injectable flu vaccine as well as the flu mist vaccine for $40.For more information call 343-6508.