Flu season has hit Arkansas hard this year with 52 deaths recorded as of February according to the Arkansas Health Department.

Despite over 3,000 flu shots given in the school district during October, most of those were given to elementary and middle school students.

“There is definitely more elementary and middle school students that get the shot because the parents make the choice for them.  Fewer high school students get the shot because they’re older and parents leave that choice up to them,” Administrator of Saline Country Health Department Karen Mays said.

The official flu season begins in October and last until May with the peak of the season in January or February.

“Despite only 758 of the high school students getting the flu shot, I’ve only sent about five students home for symptoms of the flu,” school R.N. Tracy Studdard said.

Most encourage younger kids to get the flu shot, because they are often times the most likely to share germs with others.  Although, that doesn’t mean they are more at risk.

“The flu doesn’t discriminate based on age.  It affects people who have not have the flu vaccine primarily.  Which is why we encourage everyone, of all ages, to get a flu vaccination.  Its never too late to get it,” Mays said.

Even those with a phobia of needles no longer have an excuse not to get the flu vaccination.   The FDA approved a nasal spray in 2003.

“The shot and the nasal spray is equally effective, however, based on a person’s medical condition, one could be recommended over the other.  If you have severe asthma you may not want to get the nasal spray,” Mays said.