The sound of babies crying and children screaming are heard in doctors offices across the country as many receive their annual flu vaccination.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) website, an influenza A subtype is the most prevalent strain this year. Other strains include influenza A (H3), influenza B, H3N2 and H1N1, although these strains are less prevalent.

Sam Abelson, medical doctor at Abbott Northwestern Hospital, said the virus mutated this season. He said the flu virus can change from season to season, meaning vaccinations will not always be completely effective against the virus.

“Immunizations usually cover four to five different flu viruses,” Abelson said. “This year the strain mutated, so the immunization doesn’t cover this season’s strain as well.”

According to Abelson, vaccination against the flu is still important as it will provide protection against some of the prevalent flu strains this year and other unknown strains.

Sophomore Amira Stone said she gets the flu shot every year as a way to prevent illness.

“I think there’s no reason not to get the vaccine as long as there is no harm in it,” Stone said.

Immunizations defend against illness by injecting those who get it with dead cells of the virus, which builds the immune system’s defenses against that virus.

Recently, the flu reached an epidemic level with 46 states reporting widespread flu activity, according to the CDC website.

Abelson said he recommends everyday tasks besides immunizations to prevent the flu and other illnesses during the peak of a specifically dangerous flu season.

These everyday tasks include washing hands often and avoiding contact with anybody who may appear to be sick. If sick, stay home to recover and limit contact with others to keep the flu from spreading.

Abelson recommends to continue getting vaccinated as it could protect against strains not yet identified in addition to the strains it’s supposed to protect against.

For students who have not yet received any form of immunization this year, Park Nicollet offers free flu immunization to all children at any of its locations.

The Central Clinic located in the Central Community Center building also offers free immunizations to students without insurance. Students need their guardians to fill out a consent form to receive the free immunization. Forms can be found online at www.parknicollet.com/foundation under “community connectivity.”