Molly Levine always told herself she would rather get the flu, than get the flu shot. Her mind changed after she caught two different strains last year: one in December, and another in March.

“It was just a horrible experience,” says Levine. “I couldn’t get out of bed for six or seven days straight.”

Last year, the strain, H3N2, was a particularly dangerous strain that the vaccine could not fight. This year, nurse practitioner Cindy Mann says it’s unlikely we will see that one again, although it is too early to tell.

Mann says college students downplay the severity of the flu, and believe they are not fully at risk. The flu typically affects children and the elderly, but college-aged students are not invincible.

“It’s not just a cold, it really takes you down for about a week for most people,” says Mann. “Most students cannot afford to be out of their classes and unable to do very good work for a whole week.”

Mann also says there is a common misconception that the shot can give you the flu.

“That’s not at all true,” she says. However, the vaccine can trigger an immune response which may cause a fever, chills and body aches, although rare.

Levine conquered her fear of needles this year, and got the shot.

“It’s better to get it than to suffer,” she says.

Getting the flu shot can decrease your risk of contracting influenza by roughy 40 to 60% depending on the type.

“We have already seen positive flu tests in the community,” says Mann.

The IU Health Center posted to their website that they are on campus to give out flu shots this week. CVS Minute Clinics also offer the vaccines by appointment or walk-in.