Welcome back to campus. Unfortunately, the flu season this year is expected to be troublesome. While there are reports of decreased effectiveness of the vaccine (mostly for only 1 of the 4 strains in the vaccine given at Student Health), it is still recommended to receive the vaccine. Even if you get the flu, having had the vaccine can decrease the severity and duration of illness. Furthermore, having more people in the community vaccinated helps protect the entire group, including vulnerable populations who may be unable to receive the vaccine (herd immunity).
Please review this important information from the CDC regarding influenza and flu vaccine:
https://www.cdc.gov/flu/about/index.html
https://www.cdc.gov/flu/about/qa/misconceptions.htm
And then, if you have not received a flu shot this season, please call Student Health at 570-577-1401 to schedule an appointment. Remember, it takes about 2 weeks to begin to develop immunity so don’t wait. Call today!
After you receive your flu shot other ways to avoid contracting/spreading the flu include:
- Stay away from sick people and stay home if sick
- Cover coughs and sneezes with a tissue or in your elbow area
- Wash hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand rub
- Eating utensils, dishes, and personal items belonging to those who are sick should not be shared without washing thoroughly first
- Frequently touched surfaces should be cleaned and disinfected at home, work and school, especially if someone is ill
The Flu Is Contagious
Most healthy adults may be able to infect other people beginning 1 day before symptoms develop and up to 5 to 7 days after becoming sick. Children may pass the virus for longer than 7 days. Symptoms start 1 to 4 days after the virus enters the body. That means that you may be able to pass on the flu to someone else before you know you are sick, as well as while you are sick. Some people can be infected with the flu virus but have no symptoms. During this time, those persons may still spread the virus to others.