Getting influenza or the flu is never fun for anyone. The University of Wyoming is offering a flu shot clinic to students seeking prevention of the flu. Getting a flu shot will help keep students from catching the flu and missing class.
“It is recommended that you get the flu shot in the fall. It takes two weeks for the antibodies to take effect,” Dr. Joanne Steane, said.
Influenza is very common in the winter. The virus lives longer in the cold weather because there is less humidity in the air to kill it. People can inhale the flu or get it by touching everyday objects such as doorknobs, chairs, tables and many other objects. Then they proceed to touch their eye, nose or mouth and the flu gets into their system.
“Student Health Services has put on different flu shot clinics. This year is our first year partnering with the Wyoming Health Fairs,” Assistant Director for the wellness center, Lina Newlin, said
Student health will be offering two more flu shot clinics next week on Thursday Oct. 19, and on Friday Oct. 20. The clinic will be available for students from 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. on both days.
The flu shot will cost $29. The shot students will receive will last for one flu season. There will be more clinics available at other pharmacies, personal health providers, physicians and the Wyoming Health Fairs office located at 2835 Grand Avenue.
“I like all of the assistance and benefits that Student Health has available,” Katheryn Goodrich, Undeclared Sophomore, said. “I wish I would have gotten the flu shot they offered last year.”
Flu is a very common virus contracted by many students. There are many cases that go undiagnosed. Testing for the flu depends on which stage the virus is at in a person’s body.
“We can only diagnose flu if we have a positive test. It is hard to test for flu at the correct time,” Steane said. “We had 16 positive diagnoses last year.”
Getting a flu shot is the best prevention for the flu and a guarantee to not miss class. Many students could miss class time because of this virus that spreads quite easily. Flu shots are only good for one season so it is recommended that everyone gets the shot regularly.
Students should wash their hands regularly, and always keep tissues on hand if they feel a cold coming on.
