For almost two years, the entire global community has fought tirelessly against the COVID-19 pandemic. With the lowest average nationwide case rate in three months and vaccines only becoming more developed and accessible, the pandemic feels as if it may be in the rear-view mirror.

Our war against COVID-19 may seem as if it is coming to an end, but if we let our guard down, we will find ourselves losing even more lives because of the unforgiving pandemic and an ambush from our annual epidemic, the flu.

While the flu may not be the most infamous disease, the Center for Disease Control (CDC) estimates up to 52,000 annual deaths from the flu in the United States. Moreover, experts have reason to believe this year’s flu season could be worse than usual. 

According to flu expert Peter Palese in a New York Times article “This Flu Season Is Different. Here’s How to Prepare,” last year’s flu season was significantly less prominent than usual. During the last flu season the nation’s rate of infection, hospitalizations and deaths only reached one percent of the average yearly rates for the flu.

Hearing that the flu had virtually disappeared last year should feel reassuring; yet, everything we did to keep the flu at bay last year is hardly in practice anymore. And as a result, a much deadlier flu season could blindside us. 

Whereas heavy mask mandates and travel restrictions lent themselves to curb the spread of the flu last season, the sudden return to normalcy due to the COVID-19 vaccine reduced the need for these practices. 

I think it goes without saying that our return to child-infested classrooms without masks and social distancing provides quite the opportunity for the mass flu infections our schools have seen before.

Even in our own day-to-day lives as students, greeting friends with hugs and handshakes, sharing drinks and living in close quarters, opportunities for the flu to spread are resurfacing in every aspect of our life.

While the most effective solution would be continuing these strict protocols, it is simply no longer feasible to the restless American community. To continue our pseudo-return to normalcy, however, it is important that each individual maintains their responsibility to be immunized. 

The flu vaccine, unlike the COVID-19 vaccine, has been in circulation for decades and is highly researched and improved upon every year. The side-effects of the vaccine may not be pleasant, but I assure you it is much better than having the actual flu.

Though there is no excuse to avoid your COVID-19 vaccine, the influenza vaccine is more researched and “safer” to those with concerns about the new vaccine. There really is no reason to abstain from the vaccine considering the potential danger of this flu season.

With the collaborative effort of the community to become immunized, though, the likelihood of a violent flu season significantly drops.

So even if you are okay risking your own health this flu season, it is critical that you get vaccinated on behalf of the large at-risk community. From our large elderly population to the cesspool of children, it is important we do everything we can to keep the flu down.