“I'm a little bit leery about getting a flu shot. I think there are so many strains out there that the side effects won't be worth the risk. I just try to watch my environment, like what I wear and where I go.”

— Steve Polston, psychologist, Lawrence

“I wash my hands a lot and use hand sanitizer. I work at home, so I'm fairly protected. I don't come into contact with a large number of people. I've had flu shots in the past, but I don't think I will get one this year.”

— Mary Schmalz, computer operator, Lawrence

“Absolutely nothing that I don't do all year round. I've actually never had a flu shot, and I've never gotten the flu.”

— Aaron Shaver, youth minister, Nashville, Tenn.

“I don't worry about the flu, because I think when you are stressed out about it, you become more susceptible to it.”

— Francie Nelson, Kansas University senior, Ottawa