Fending off the flu

Vandal Health offers free flu shots to UI students

With the recent surge of illnesses such as mumps and meningitis on the University of Idaho campus, students are encouraged to practice healthy habits this season. Vandal Health Education wants to do its part and is offering 1,000 free flu shots to UI students.

Flu shots will be administered on a first come, first serve basis at 11 a.m. Oct. 23, and 11 a.m. Nov. 5, in room 143 of the TLC.

Emily Tuschhoff, program coordinator for Vandal Health, said participating students receive the most updated flu vaccine to fight off new strains of the influenza virus.

“We know that the flu shot is the number one way to prevent the flu,” Tuschhoff said. “It’s more successful than just the other precautionary measures.”

She said such measures are staying at home if ill, keeping distance from those who are sick and continuously keeping clean by washing hands and using tissues.

“These are things that we should be doing all year around,” Tuschhoff said. “We don’t want to be spreading illness around.”

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the influenza virus evolves each year. This year’s vaccine contains three or four inactive viruses researchers believe are likely to spread among U.S. citizens this year.

The CDC said it takes about two weeks for the vaccine to take effect and benefits can last up to a year.

However, there are some possible side affects of the flu shot. In severe cases, someone could have an allergic reaction, and sometimes the vaccine can cause hoarseness, sore and itchy red eyes, a cough, fevers, aches, headaches, itching and fatigue. Tuschhoff said while vaccine side effects are few and far between, getting the vaccine is a safe bet.

Tuschhoff said UI Student Health Services has provided the flu shot to students for the last two years because it’s proven to slow down the spread of the virus.

Morgan Trewin, Vandal Health intern, said the vaccine is strictly meant to prevent influenza — not the common cold. Those who do receive the vaccine may still experience flu-like symptoms during the cold and flu season.

“I think that a lot of people get the common cold and other minor illnesses mixed up with the flu,” Trewin said. “This doesn’t protect you from the common cold.”

Both Trewin and Tuschhoff said students who live in residence halls and Greek houses should take extra precaution as the virus can spread faster in close living conditions.

Tuschhoff said if a student does get sick with the flu, or another virus, they should stay home from school and steer clear from their peers.

“We all have a role to play to stop spreading the flu,” she said. “We understand this is hard with dealing with midterms and finals, but staying home is really the best way to stop the virus.”

Tuschhoff said students should regularly look for flu symptoms this time of the year — fever, chills, sore throat, muscle aches, fatigue, cough, headache and a runny or stuffy nose. She said people with the flu should see a doctor if they start experiencing troubles breathing, pains in the chest, dizziness, confusion or severe or persistent vomiting.

Trewin said most healthy people should be able to fight the flu without the need of antibiotics or medical assistance.

Danielle Wiley can be reached at [email protected]

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