With the commencement of flu season upon us, the student health services staff has partnered with the Allegany Health Department to open a flu clinic for Houghton students and anyone in the community ages six months and older. The clinic will offer flu shots in the lower level of the Campus Center on October 27th, from 10am-2pm. The shots will be administered by nurses from the Allegany Health Department.
According to Laurie Hennessy, Director of Patient Services for Allegany County, no appointment is necessary. Just walk in, and “bring short sleeves (or ones that easily roll up) and your insurance card.” Flu shots are covered in full by most insurance plans, and any co-pay will be determined on a need-based scale, which should make them affordable to everyone.
The flu clinic is an annual event at Houghton College. The hope is that students will be encouraged to be proactive about fighting the flu virus—which is why steps are taken to make the process as convenient and (figuratively) painless as possible. Gail Smith, nursing supervisor at the health center, was responsible for coordinating and organizing the flu clinic. She stated, “I hope more students will get the shot this year. The campus is an especially good environment for the spread of respiratory borne illnesses such as influenza.”
Who should get a flu shot? “Everyone!” said Hennessy. “Flu kills and I don’t think people understand that.” Smith agrees, stating all students should seriously consider getting the vaccine, “especially anyone with a medical condition that might lower their resistance to respiratory infections, such as those with asthma, diabetes, cardiac problems and other chronic conditions.”
This year’s flu shot covers four strains of the flu, as opposed to last year’s 3 strains. The vaccination immunizes against strains of respiratory flu, instead of gastrointestinal flu. Hennessy stated that in her opinion the respiratory strains are more dangerous.
Dr. David Brubaker, director of health services, said, “For most college students, influenza (the “flu”) usually causes a miserable but self-limited viral illness characterized by fever, body aches, headaches and upper respiratory symptoms including sore throat, runny nose, and a cough that can be quite bothersome.”
He said, “It typically resolves on its own over the courses of a week to ten days without complications, but can leave you feeling wiped out following the illness for a while longer. Because of this, students should take care to avoid getting the flu, as it can result in missing classes, practices, falling behind in homework, etc.” However, students with other health issues are at higher risk of complications from the flu virus, which could lead to hospitalization and, rarely, death.
To prevent the flu, students can exercise, rest, hydrate, wash their hands frequently, and generally maintain good health practices. Since illness spreads rampantly on residential college campuses, the most effective prevention is to just get a flu shot. Many health experts say prevention of the flu is preferable to treatment after a person has contracted it.
According to Sue Montoro, the health center medical receptionist, a student who cannot get to the flu clinic could possibly receive the flu shot at the Fillmore pharmacy. However, the disadvantages to this are that they can only be administered when a pharmacist is in, and there is no need based scale to cover co-pays. Sue advised that students try their best to get to the flu clinic if they want to be sure that they can get a shot at the best possible price or completely free of charge.
Anyone interested in getting a flu shot should go to the basement of the Campus Center on Monday, October 27th any time between 10am and 2pm. Remember to wear short sleeves and “please bring your insurance cards!” urged Smith.