Student heath promotes flu prevention
Erica Tuggle
Issue date: 10/11/07 Section: News
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The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) classifies flu season as lasting from November through May.
Chris Smith, nursing school coordinator, said she recommends that all students come in to student health during October to receive the shot, so that the vaccine's immunity of six to eight months will last the entire duration of the flu season.
The flu shots will cost $15. The 450 doses that UTC will provided to the campus will be given by trained staff and nursing students in the UC Oct. 25 from 10:00 a.m. until 3:00 p.m. and will then be available in the student health center.
June Matthews, the supervising nurse of the health center, said she recommends students have their shot before Thanksgiving holidays, the time when most Flu cases are reported.
"The Flu is a viral infection that changes every year, so the vaccine is different every year." Matthews said.
Flu symptoms include muscle aches, fever and chills, headache, dry cough and weakness, according to the CDC.
Smith said, "The shot will prevent the flu if given 10 to 14 days prior to flu exposure. Before that time period the body hasn't had time to build up the antibodies and you can still get the flu. The shot contains a dead virus, so you won't get the flu from getting a flu shot."
Both Smith and Matthews said they suggest preventing the flu through frequent hand washing, respecting everyone's personal space, not sharing drinks or personal items and "good ole hygiene."
Individuals who have had pneumonia, chronic illness (such as asthma or allergies), those taking immunosuppressant drugs, those who have small children or those who live with anyone falling into these categories should get the vaccine, Matthews said.
If left untreated the flu can lead to pneumonia and dehydration, said Matthews.
Brittany Wallace, a Memphis, Freshman, said she has no plans to get a flu shot unless she has to.
Wallace said that if she does get the shot, it will be at UTC because of the shot's afforability.
The shot is not for individuals who have egg allergies or are allergic to thimersol, but an alternate nasal vaccine spray is available for special cases, Smith said.
She said there may also be some muscle soreness a few days after the shot and minimal aching while your body creates antibodies.
"It's just a little stick in the arm, [and] not the end of the world," Matthew assures needle-phobics.
For more information and questions contact the Student Health Center at 425-2321.
