The flu has arrived earlier this year than usual, and those at high risk for flu should get shots as soon as possible, said a spokeswoman at the Oklahoma State Department of Health.
"Flu can be very serious, and people do die from flu," said OSDH spokeswoman Pamela Williams. "Everyone still needs to go out and get their flu shot."
The flu season, which isn't usually seen in Oklahoma until December or January, began in October this year, Williams said.
"We just have a mobile society," Williams said. "It's already showed up in Texas. Last year, we followed Texas by two weeks. This time, it just seems to be moving a little faster."
Students living in residence halls or other crowded conditions should get a vaccination in order to prevent outbreaks, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Flu shots are also recommended for people with long-term health problems such as asthma and diabetes, people over 50 years old and pregnant women who will be past their first trimester of pregnancy during the flu season.
Goddard Health Center offers flu shots free to students with a valid OU ID, said Mark McCraw, Goddard clinic manager. Flu shots are also available for faculty and staff for $15.
So far, more than 1,100 students, faculty and staff have gotten flu shots at Goddard, McCraw said.
"Get immunizations early, practice personal hygiene and come to the clinic at any onset of symptoms," McCraw said.
Flu symptoms usually come on suddenly and may include fever, headache, tiredness, dry cough, sore throat, nasal congestion and body aches, according to the CDC Web site.
Goddard offers flu shots from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday and will continue to offer the vaccine until supplies run out, McCraw said.
The wait for students who want to get flu shots depends on how many people are in line at the time, McCraw said.
"If there was no line, it'd take about five minutes total," he said.
English literature senior Kristen Brown said she decided to get a flu shot because it's free and she doesn't want to get the flu.
"I hate the flu shot, but it's a preventative measure," Brown said.
She said she thinks it is important for OU students to get flu shots because many students, despite being sick, still come to class and expose everyone to their illness.
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