Students can receive flu shot

Heather Hogg, Corner Post staff

Nov. 1, 2002 - It strikes every year - that nasty little illness that has led many people to start getting shots. That's right, it's the flu.

"Due to the closeness among students in classrooms and residence halls, it is important they consider getting the flu shot to prevent them from possibly getting sick during finals week or during the semester," Dr. Susan Even of the Student Health Center said.

Influenza is a virus that attacks in the respiratory tract (nose, throat and lungs). It is contagious and can cause the following symptoms:

· Fever
· Headache
· Tiredness (can be extreme)
· Dry cough
· Sore throat
· Nasal congestion
· Body aches

People are exposed to the virus through physical contact with an infected person or just by breathing in the airborne virus.

While people over 65 and those with respiratory illnesses are at a greater risk of catching the virus, receiving the flu shot reduces everyone's risk of getting the flu.

The flu season usually runs from December through February, so it is important to get the shot in early October to mid-November.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), if you have the flu you should:

· Rest
· Drink plenty of liquids
· Avoid using alcohol and tobacco
· Take medication to relieve the symptoms of flu

Because a virus causes the flu, antibiotics don't cure it. The best way to prevent the flu, according to the CDC, is to get the flu vaccine each fall before the flu season sets in.

Students can receive the flu vaccine at the Student Recreation Center from 1 to 7 p.m. Tuesday.

The vaccine costs $20 and can be paid for with cash, check or credit card. Students can also bill the shot to their parents, which requires a $10 fee.

Students can still receive the vaccine at the Student Health Center after Wednesday.

Students can also get a meningitis vaccine Tuesday for $85. This vaccine is effective for three years. Even said students in residence halls should receive the meningitis vaccine.

"Students that live in environments such as fraternity/sorority houses or residence halls are more at risk," Even said.

If you have questions or concerns, contact the Student Health Center immunization nurse at 882-4661 or call 882-7481 to make an appointment. You can find out more information about other immunizations and illnesses online at http://www.muhealth.org/~studenthealth/.


Story originally posted 11/4/02

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