What is public health? Students in the UGA Health & Wellness class are here to help you find out! They have strategically identified examples in the Athens community that they feel represent public health in action. This blog is dedicated to explaining, understanding, and discussing what their interpretations of public health, as well as their reactions to learning about topics of health and wellness.

Tuesday, October 30, 2012

Flu Shots



Description: 
     This is a picture of a sign at Walgreens for flu shots.

Description of how your choice is an example of public health: 
     A sign promoting flu shots for the season is a great example of public health. The public with the help of Walgreens is providing flu shots for those who find it more convenient to get it at a local drugstore than going to a hospital or doctors' office. Walgreens is one of the largest American drug retailing chain in the United States. They even have a pharmacy that provides their customers with exceptional care with their prescriptions, health needs, and low cost flu shots for the season. Walgreens in general is an example of public health for its participation in promoting health and providing health needs such as medicine, shots, and medical aid.

Why choose this example? 
    We chose this example because Walgreens is right down the street, somewhat close to campus, and many college students, teachers, and local residents frequent the store. Most essential needs can be found at Walgreens. However, not many people know that Walgreens offers flu shots for their customers during flu season. We wanted to inform the public of the option to receive a flu shot at their local Walgreens.

Why is it important that others consider this example of public health? 
     The flu, also known as influenza, is a serious disease that can sometimes lead to hospitalization and death in severe cases. Although many people do not get infected to this degree, the lesser symptoms are also quite annoying to deal with especially for busy college students. The seasonal flu vaccine can prevent these symptoms from occurring by allowing the body to develop antibodies as protection against the infection. Flu viruses are very contagious and the CDC estimates between 5 and 20 percent of the country's population get the flu each year. For those who believe in vaccinations as protection against certain diseases, it is important to consider getting the flu vaccine. Hospitals, doctors' offices, the University Health Center and even local drugstores such as Walgreens provide these vaccines. By receiving the vaccine, you are not only protecting your body but also preventing the spread of the flu vaccine to others. This is why we feel that it is important to consider this as an example of public health.

Michelle Kim
Georgia Haynes
Krishna Koganti



3 comments:

  1. This is a good post. It is Flu season. I am glad that you created this post. UGA is a place infested with germs. People cough and do not cover it. We have hand scanners that people have to touch when going in the dinning halls and dorm buildings. Because we stay in close proximity with a lot of people, we have a greater chance of being sick. Walgreens offering Flu shots is a great option for the public. CVS offers shots as well! It is faster than going to the doctor. I know some people are not up for Flu Shots. They should be very careful and clean during this time of the year. Good Post!

    Khadijah Brown
    Kevin Bevillard
    Zack Krause

    ReplyDelete
  2. It is very important to get your flu shot, especially this time of year. Germs are spread all around us whether you're in school, a restaurant, or any other public place. To prevent catching the disease yourself and spreading it to others, it is important to defend yourself with a flu shot. Commercial stores such as Walgreens and CVS are great alternatives to going to a hospital or our local UGA health center. These 24 hour walk-in clinics are great by getting more people to receive their flu shots. Good post!

    Marc Goldner
    Allison Goldstein
    Samantha Mandel

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  3. It is very important to get flu shots, I got one at the health center the other day and I have not been sick since then. I'm so glad that it is open to the public to receive the flu shot so that even people that don't have health insurance will still be granted to chance to get something to benefit their health at a low cost. It is important to have preventative ways to avoid a disease that it cost you a lot of money in the end, it you do not practice prevention and healthy ways of living.

    Janesa Frazier
    Brianna Watts
    Jamario Calhoun

    ReplyDelete