As the weather gets colder and the semester gets a little busier, getting sick is an unfortunate and inevitable part of being a college student. Much like a kindergarten classroom, a college campus tends to be a cesspool of germs during the fall and winter months. But one of the most prevalent illnesses on college campuses across the nation is influenza, or as it’s more commonly known as the flu.
The flu is a virus that is transmitted through the air by an infected individual. In simpler terms, being around someone with the flu who is coughing and sneezing can mean you might become infected with the virus. Unlike a common cold, symptoms of the flu come on very quickly, and they are usually more severe than a typical runny nose or sore throat. The flu can cause muscle aches, fever, headache, fatigue, and chills. In severe cases, such as if someone is already medically compromised, the flu can lead to severe difficulty breathing, hospitalization, or, in rare cases, death.
Never fear, though! While there is no treatment or cure for the flu, there is a way you can reduce your chances of having severe symptoms. The humble flu shot. The flu shot has existed since the 1930s, and was designed to prevent influenza pandemics like the one that devastated the world in 1918.
Because influenza is a virus, it is constantly mutating and developing against strains. This is where the brilliance of the flu shot is fully realized. By getting a flu shot, you’re getting an extra level of protection against what scientists and researchers have predicted to be the 3 to 4 strains of influenza that will be the most prevalent this year.
Don’t like needles? There’s an option for you, too! In 2003, a nasal spray version of the influenza vaccine was developed and is just as effective as the traditional vaccine. And if you’re sitting here thinking, “Oh, I’ve gotten the flu shot before and I still got sick, so I’m not getting another one!” I have news for you. According to the World Health Organization, 290,000 to 650,000 flu-related respiratory deaths happen every year.
The flu shot has been developed in such a way that it can be used to prevent the current flu strains from causing serious symptoms that could lead to death or adverse health outcomes. If you’re still skeptical, talk to your doctor or another medical professional. However, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) suggests that everyone 6 months of age and older get a flu shot, keep that in mind the next time you go to the doctor.
Want to get a flu shot? Several places in Johnson City offer them, including ETSU’s University Health Center, the Johnson City Community Health Center, pharmacies like Kroger, Walgreens, and CVS, and even the Washington County Health Department. Remember to wash your hands, take your vitamins and drink water this fall semester. Future-you will thank you.
