Winter is coming, and with it comes flu season. Within the next couple of months, peak influenza will be in full swing and now is the best time to take preventive measures.
“It’s too early in the flu season in Missouri to tell how prevalent it will be, but now it’s where we would expect it to be at this time,” Student Health Center Director Scott Henderson said.
It can be hard to tell what the future will hold when it comes to the flu.
“Flu seasons are unpredictable and the severity and length of the season varies from year to year,” MU Health Care Infection Control Manager Linda Johnson said.
Flu season commonly peaks in the winter months, according to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention. According to _The Old Farmer’s Almanac_ website, temperatures this winter are predicted to be below normal, which could worsen this year’s flu season.
There are differing theories as to why flu season occurs in the winter, Johnson said.
“The influenza virus typically does not like the heat, but there are exceptions,” Johnson said. “Studies have shown that winter’s cooler temperatures and lower humidity contribute to the transmission of the virus.”
Why illnesses spread more during colder months might have a legitimate reason, Henderson said.
“People are confined indoors, so they’re more likely to be infected,” he said.
Vaccination is the best way to prevent catching and spreading the flu, Johnson said.
“We strongly urge everyone six months of age and older to receive an annual influenza vaccination,” Johnson said.
The Student Health Center is holding eight traveling flu shot clinics at various places around campus throughout October and November. Three clinics remain — Oct. 29 at the College of Education in Townsend Lobby, Nov. 4 at Ellis Library, and Nov. 5 at the Reynolds Journalism Institute, all from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m.
Flu shots are also always available by appointment at the Student Health Center. The cost of the flu shots are included in student tuition fees.
“Students think that they don’t get the flu and that they don’t get sick, and that’s a myth that we really have to work with a lot,” Student Health Center spokesperson Pam Roe said. “However, if you think you’re stressed out now, with your coursework and your finals and your exams — if you get the flu, you will be out of commission for about three days, and so that just adds to your stress level. Getting your flu shot won’t necessarily get rid of the flu, but it’ll keep you from getting the flu and get you through the flu season.”
Aside from vaccination, there are several important precautions people can take to stop the spread of the flu.
“It is also recommended that if you are sick, stay home,” Johnson said. “Hand hygiene is also very important year round, but especially during typical flu seasons. Stay away from others if you have the flu, and cough or sneeze into your sleeve instead of your hands.”
Additionally, avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth and get plenty of sleep.
In order to properly respond to the flu, there’s a science behind the sickness. The flu is a contagious respiratory virus which can affect the nose, throat and lungs that is spread by droplets produced when an individual who is infected coughs, sneezes or talks.
The Student Health Center also takes major precautions when it comes to their traveling flu shot clinics.
“We have single-dose vaccines, so all the vaccine comes in its own syringe with its own needle,” Roe said. “That’s all self-contained. The nurses unwrap it as you sit there and then they’ll give you the shot. They bring the alcohol wipes, like you have at a health care office. They dispose of the needles in the sharps box, they give you a Band-Aid, and it’s as good as being in a doctor’s office.”
The traveling clinics are also just as qualified as going to a doctor’s office.
“All the people giving flu shots here are either nurses who work at the Student Health Center or volunteer nurses,” Roe said. “Sometimes we work with the School of Nursing, and their nursing students will help out as well.”
