With one AHHHH-CHOO, there is much more than just love in the air. February not only invites our well known winged friend, Cupid, and his almighty arrow of desire, but graces us with the not so welcome influenza virus.
According to the Center for Disease Control, this contagious respiratory illness, better known as the flu, usually peaks in February and can linger as late as May. Influenza places some people at higher risk such as young children, older adults and those who have certain health circumstances.
Now, you might be thinking, why should I get a flu shot when I’m not a high risk? However, this seemingly little flu can cause mild to severe illness and serious outcomes. In the past, it has led to hospitalization or even death.
As of late December, the CDC highlighted some of the benefits of the influenza vaccination, estimating it prevented 79,000 hospitalizations and 6.6 million illnesses last flu season. However, an estimated 381,000 Americans were hospitalized from the flu last season alone.
Despite not being in the high risk age range, college students could be a carrier of the virus and not show symptoms, thus passing it on to those who are at high risk. The best way to prevent the spread of flu is by getting vaccinated each year.
Is it too late to get your flu shot? Absolutely not.
Vandal Health Education is putting on several free clinics to students and staff this semester. All a University of Idaho student has to do is present their Vandal Card. For more information on this year’s flu season and the benefits of vaccinations, go to cdc.gov or stop by the Health Resource Room located in the Student Recreation Center.
Let’s take a pledge to control Cupid’s illness arrow and get vaccinated.
Bailey Hewitt can be reached at [email protected]