Tis the season for hot drinks, pumpkin carving and dodging the flu like Neo in “The Matrix.” Fall and winter are prime flu seasons, and living in near proximity with … well, everyone … the chance of getting the flu is pretty high. There are a few tips and tricks to help to students avoid the flu, but first, why is it so prevalent in the winter months?
Researchers in New York recently found why the flu “likes” winter so much. Dr. Palese, a scientist with The New York Times states, “Flu viruses are more stable in cold air, and low humidity also helps the virus particles remain in the air. That is because the viruses float in the air in little respiratory droplets. When the air is humid, those droplets pick up water, grow larger and fall to the ground.” He also explained that the flu thrives in lower humidity, and when the humidity was bumped up to 80% the virus did not spread. This explains how hot and humid parts of the world virtually see no flu season.
So what are some tips to avoid the flu? (Disclaimer — I make no promises that you will not get the flu if you follow these, but they do help your chances.) After receiving the flu shot, one of the biggest tips is to wash your hands since the flu can be spread through touch. Some other no-brainers are staying away from people who have to flu and disinfecting surfaces commonly used by a lot of people (phones, doorknobs, handles, etc). The CDC also states that people should stay home for 24 hours if they develop a fever, and if it is the flu, the fever should break within 24 hours. If not, see a medical provider. Students should also practice good nutrition, especially if they feel like they are getting sick. However, the first thing everyone should do is get a flu shot.
Flu shots? Why do we talk about them every year? Other vaccinations, like the polio vaccines, are for diseases, but not the flu shot. The flu is a virus, not a disease, so the strains of the flu constantly change season to season. The flu shot usuallly protects against four to six strains of what the CDC believes will be the most prevalent strains that season. This is why people can technically still get the flu even after getting the flu shot. The benefits, however, outweigh the risks. A lot of people will say, “I’m healthy, I don’t need the flu shot.” They may be healthy, but having the flu shot not only protects them, but also the people around them who may not be as healthy like gram and gramps, babies, pregnant ladies, those with suppressed immune systems.
Another wide-spread myth is that people get sick after they get the shot. The flu shot itself is a dead virus, so it is virtually impossible to get sick from it. However, it does take up to two weeks to gain immunity from the flu after getting the shot, so people may contract the flu during those two weeks. Moreover, some people have mild reactions to getting any sort of vaccine, and the flu shot is no exception. Read up on possible reactions on the CDC’s website. Students will also receive a Vaccine Information Sheet (VIS) when they receive the vaccine so they know what to expect. People may also have a previous respiratory illness like the common cold, pneumonia or bronchitis that can mask itself as the flu. There is also the possibility of contracting a strain of the flu not associated with the vaccine.
Those interested in getting a free flu shot can receive one on campus in the coming days. The nearest stations are Oct. 31 in the Idaho Commons from 10-3 p.m. and Nov. 15 in the Wallace Residence Center basement from 5-7 p.m. The shot is free — all students need to bring is their vandal card, arms and a sense of wellbeing.
Anna Slusser can be reached at [email protected]