Flu shot season begins
By Caroline Thomas, October 9, 2008
The campus health clinic, on the second floor of the Student Center, will offer flu shots on Oct. 24.
Terry Nigh, the coordinator of student health services, said any student experiencing a combination of a fever, headache, extreme tiredness or dry cough should go to the doctor or visit the clinic that day.
The flu is an upper respiratory illness which usually makes its way to the U.S. around the months between October and February according to CDC.gov. Last year over 90 students at Franklin College showed up in the clinic with the flu in just two days.
“I really want to encourage students this year to get vaccinated… I would love to have as many people as possible to decrease the number of students who contract the flu,” Nigh said.
Those opting to refuse the vaccine must be careful of person to person contact, she said.
The flu can be passed through coughing, sneezing, and transferred bacteria. Nigh said hand washing is the number one way to prevent illnesses and when there is no access to water and soap to keep hand sanitizer.
“My cousin, who is a doctor, says to wash your hands and sing ‘Happy Birthday’ and if you don’t have access to water or soap then rub your hands together,” said Emily Stauffer, an English professor.
Stauffer said she plans to get a vaccination, although she didn’t last year she said that several people she knew who had been vaccinated still contracted the illness.
According to Nigh 200 students will become ill. She said another way to keep from getting sick is to avoid touching your face. The easiest way for bacteria to enter your body is through openings such as your mouth, eyes and nose.
“I should get the vaccine,” said Stephanie Adams, a sophomore. “I didn’t last year and I was deathly ill.”
The flu will keep a student out of class for up to a week, Night said. She said those students who cannot afford to miss classes should get the vaccine. She said there is an anti-viral prescription but the medication only shortens the period to one and a half days maximum and you must go to the doctor within 48 hours of symptoms.
“When I had it I couldn’t get off the couch or lift my head up. I was so exhausted,” Nigh said.
The day to get the vaccine is Oct. 24 beginning at 11 a.m. and there will be plenty of the vaccine to distribute. The only people who should not get the vaccine are those allergic to eggs. The vaccine will cost $24 and receipts will be handed out in case insurance companies will reimburse the recipient.
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