Ah, Fall semester, what a beautiful time of the year. The birds are chirping, the days are cooling, and the leaves start falling. Just as the leaves fall off trees, students can fall ill with the flu.
Now the flu is no common cold; the virus hides in respiratory droplets in the air and strikes anyone with a weakened immune system. And with the semesters’ pace slowly speeding up and stress levels rising, students are the perfect environment for the flu to live in. Are you going to be its next victim?
To avoid getting the flu this semester, consider some tips and tricks to help
you fight back. The basics are practicing healthy living, such as exercising regularly, eating nutritious foods, getting enough sleep, and staying hydrated. We also recommend staying away from anyone who is currently sick and handwashing regularly. If you develop a fever, it is recommended to stay home for 24 hours or until it subsides. If the fever persists, visit the Student Health Clinic currently located at 2500 W “A” St (behind Walmart), as it could be a more serious case. The best way to prevent the flu from slowing you down this semester is to be proactive and get the flu vaccine.
Students can obtain their annual flu vaccine at the Student Health Clinic by simply walking-in to the location listed above. Students are advised to bring their Vandal Card and insurance information when they go in for the flu vaccine. For folks with limited transportation options, the Vandal Access program is available for students as a transportation option to and from the Student Health Clinic for appointments. For more information, visit uidaho.edu/parking.
But what if you got the flu vaccine last year, does that mean you’re good to go for this flu season? The answer is no. Just because you got the vaccine last year does not mean that you are protected this year. The flu is not a disease, but rather a virus with ever-changing strains from season to season. The strains that were contained in last semesters flu vaccines are not going to be the strains roaming around our campus this year. Therefore, being proactive and receiving a flu vaccine every year is highly recommended.
Before you get your vaccine, there are some things you should remember. The major symptoms to be wary of include a scratchy throat, blocked nasal passages, fatigue, and a low-grade fever. The symptoms tend to last a week if you have a healthy immune system, however it may be longer if underlying health issues are already present. The vaccine is a mixture of the few most common virus strains so there is a chance you may still get the flu even after taking the vaccine if you happen to catch a rare flu strain. However, this does not mean the vaccine is ineffective. Recent studies have shown that there is a 40-60% reduction in the flu breakout among people who have the vaccine (CDC, 2019).
Getting the vaccine not only decreases your risk of getting the flu,
but for others around you as well. By getting the vaccine, practicing handwashing, and staying home if you get sick, you are helping to protect the Vandal Family immunity from the flu. Stay well this semester, Vandals!
This article has been edited to include updated information on where students can get flu shots.