free flu shots for students

Tuschhoff

Protect yourself and those around you

Influenza, more commonly referred to as the flu, is a respiratory illness caused by the influenza virus. The flu can be very contagious and can cause serious complications resulting in hospitalization or even death.
Vaccination is the best line of protection and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends everyone over the age of 6 months get a yearly flu vaccine.
At Vandal Health Ed, we get many questions about the flu and the flu shot each year. We also hear a lot of myths and misconceptions about the vaccination.   These myths are common, widespread and understandably believable.

We”d like to clear up some of those myths and hopefully help you decide if getting the flu shot is right for you.

The flu shot will make me sick

This is the most common misconception about the flu shot that we hear. The flu shots given through needles are either made with “inactivated” flu virus or no flu virus at all, and therefore are not infectious.
The most common side effects of a flu shot include soreness, redness, tenderness or swelling where the shot was administered. Others may have minor reactions to the flu shot including a low fever, headache. and muscle aches, but these reactions are not the flu.

It is better to get the flu than the flu shot

The flu can be a serious illness causing complications, hospitalization and/or death, even among otherwise healthy college students. Even without serious complications, the flu can force you to be home in bed for sometimes longer than a week. As busy college students, who has time for that?
Vaccination is also important to keep those around you safe and protected. Children, older adults and people with chronic health conditions are more susceptible to flu and other complications, and by getting the flu shot, you reduce your likelihood of spreading the flu to them.

My friend got the flu shot, but still got the stomach flu

Some people use the term “stomach flu” to describe illnesses involving upset stomach, diarrhea or vomiting. While these symptoms can sometimes be related to the flu, these problems are rarely the main symptoms of the flu. The flu is a respiratory disease, and those experiencing “stomach flu” may be experiencing norovirus or another type of virus, bacteria or even parasites.

Flu vaccines don’t work

While no vaccine can offer 100 percent protection, flu vaccines reduce your risk of getting sick from the flu. By protecting yourself, you are also protecting the people around you who are more vulnerable to serious flu illness and flu complications. Additionally, the flu vaccine may make your illness milder if you do get sick.

The flu vaccine will weaken my body’s immune response

Actually, the flu vaccine prepares your body”s immune system to fight off influenza. It does so by stimulating antibody production when you receive the vaccine. Practicing good hygiene and enjoying a balanced lifestyle are healthy habits that do reduce the risk of illness, but they cannot prevent the flu on their own.
It”s important to know the facts before making assumptions and decisions about your health.   Student Health Services is offering free flu shots for University of Idaho students. Visit uidaho.edu/flu for more information and the complete schedule of upcoming free flu shot clinics. Free meningitis vaccines will also be available at these clinics. Let”s stay healthy this flu season, Vandals.

Emily Tuschhoffis the Vandal Health Education Coordinator. She can be reached at [email protected]

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