Prepare Yourself for Flu Season
By Kate Schoen

Last Friday, people gathered at the School of Public Health to learn about pandemic flu. Health Officials such as Peter Reinhardt say a widespread bird flu is not yet likely, because the virus is not easily transmitted. But it’s still important to be prepared.

“We have done quite a bit of planning. We’re very much prepared. We’re very along the lines of being ready for a pandemic,” Reinhardt said.

But students don’t seem concerned by the lingering threat. To some, pandemic flu is worlds away.

“I guess it does worry me for the sake of the health of people around the world, but I don’t feel personally threatened by it,” said graduate student Tracy Hadden.

But you should feel threatened by seasonal flu. Every year, an influenza virus is in full force from October until March. It spreads through the air by sneezing and coughing, and also through contact with infected surfaces.

Protect yourself by doing simple things. Wash your hands, cover your mouth when you cough, and use a tissue when you sneeze. But the very best thing to do is get vaccinated.

“Some people try to avoid it, but it’s a lot better than getting the flu,” Reinhardt said.

Students can soon line up for the vaccine at Campus Health Services. No word yet about how much will be available. So look out for an email with all the details.

“But there will be some other avenues as well. I know the School of Pharmacy has students that are going to put on a flu clinic,” Reinhardt said.

And if you do have to wait, it’s still worth getting the vaccine later in the season.

“Even into mid-January they’ll still be offered and they’ll still be valuable to people if they haven’t gotten them yet,” said Reinhardt.