Flu shots, hand sanitizer, and Kleenex to the rescue. That’s right. The flu is back.

Rider nurse Kristi Lane said flu symptoms have been seen every day over the past couple of months. Doctors have confirmed cases of Type A and Type B for some students.

According to a survey in Gallup-Health-ways Well-Being-Index, the flu has been worse this year than the past two. Many may wonder why the flu rate is so high this year.

“We use too many medications and our resistance is down because of all the germ-x we use,” Physics teacher Brittany Bailey said.

Many say there are also other reasons.

“I think the flu is increasing because of the different weather patterns we’ve had this year,” freshman Rebekah Conley said.

Moreover, many health public analysts say that ‘flu vaccinations this season contain more seasonal influenza and pandemic H1N1 components than last season’. In other words, flu shots are more effective this year, but they do not stop the flu completely.

Since this is the case, many look to other necessary steps to fight the flu.

“I think that staying at home and resting is very necessary to fight the flu if you have it,” freshman Luke Draper said.

There are other vital ways in order to avoid the flu.

“Wash your hands, don’t eat or drink after anybody, and do not cough on your hand or arm, but in a tissue instead because germs are spread by touching door-knobs and water fountains,” nurse Kristi said.