By LYNN YANG
Tiger Media Network
The arrival of autumn also signals that flu season is on its way. Every year, from October to May, the flu virus makes an unwelcome appearance, spreading across the country and catching many individuals off guard.
Don’t be fooled by how harmless the flu might sound—it’s not that simple. Every year, many people end up hospitalized or even lose their lives to it, especially those with weaker immune systems: children, the elderly, pregnant women, and people with chronic illnesses. The flu can not only cause a high fever, headaches, and coughs, but in severe cases, it can also lead to complications like pneumonia, bronchitis, and more.
“Flu can cause fever and chills, sore throat, muscle aches, fatigue, cough, headache, and runny or stuffy nose. Some people may have vomiting and diarrhea,” says the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention “Pneumonia, bronchitis, sinus infections, and ear infections are examples of flu-related complications. If you have a medical condition, such as heart disease, cancer, or diabetes, flu can make it worse.”
Therefore, getting vaccinated is not only for ourselves but also for our family and friends around us. Getting vaccinated is like a firewall and can prevent the spread of viruses to a certain extent.
The CDC recommends that everyone six months and older should get an annual flu shot, especially those with higher health risks. Healthy adults are should get one shot a year. Those who have children six months to eight years old at home, an additional shot may be needed to ensure complete protection.
According to Amanda McCord, a registered nurse at FHSU Health and Wellness Services, it is uncommon to experience severe side effects.
“The vaccinations are safe,” McCord said. “Minor, short-lived side effects are possible. Serious reactions to vaccination are rare.”
Side effects may include arm stiffness after the injection, or a mild fever or muscle aches. These symptoms usually disappear within a few days. Those with a history of severe allergies or who have suffered from the rare Guillain-Barre syndrome should talk to their doctor before getting the shot.
According to McCord, Flu shots (influenza vaccine) are available to students, faculty and staff of FHSU through Health and Wellness Services and are free. School members can get vaccinated at the McMindes Cafeteria at 5 p.m. today. The Health and Wellness Services Center also has appointments set up from 9-11 a.m. on Thursday, October 24, at the Fischli-Wills Training Kitchen on the third floor.
For members of the campus community who are unable to attend a vaccination event, students can still schedule an appointment to receive the vaccine at the Student Health Center. The Student Health Center will offer vaccinations during office hours. The office hours are Monday through Friday, from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
“Students, faculty, and staff may make an appointment for flu shot now by calling Health and Wellness Services 785-628-4401, or by making an online appointment through our website,” McCord said.
Other locations in Hays that provide flu shots are Walmart, Dillons, Walgreens, and the Ellis County Health Center.
Full details about the vaccine itself are available at the CDC website (CDC.gov)
For more information on Flu Clinics at Fort Hays State University, contact the Student Health Center at (785) 628-4401 or email healthcenter@fhsu.edu
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