University offers flu shots Wednesday
By JESSICA DAUES
News Writer
With winter weather just around the bend, Notre Dame and Saint Mary's students are preparing for more than just snowballs and hot chocolate. They are preparing for flu season.
University Health Services is offering free flu shots from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., today and Wednesday at the Hesburgh Library Concourse and in 108 LaFortune. Vaccinations will also be held from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Thursday, Nov.4, at the Hesburgh Library Concourse and the Mason Service Center.
Saint Mary's students may contact Health Services for information about free flu shots at various locations on campus.
"The vaccine out now is very effective, and the more people that get the vaccine the less the amount of flu cases on campus," said Rita Rossigno, a nurse at the University Health Center.
College students are more susceptible to the flu and other viruses because of the speed at which they spread in a dorm environment.
"Kids here come from all over the country and all over the world," Rossino said. "Many times, the flu may be more prevalent in some areas of the world than others, and as students travel for fall break or Christmas break, they travel to places that may or may not have the flu. They return and campus can become a breeding ground for the flu virus."
Influenza is a highly contagious respiratory infection caused by viruses spread from the nose and mouth of an infected person. Symptoms include fever, cough, chills, sore throat, headache and muscle aches. Symptoms can last from a few days to two weeks.
This should not be confused with the gastrointestinal flu, Rossino explained, which the vaccine does not prevent against. Its symptoms include nausea, vomiting and diarrhea.
So, for all those needle-phobics on campus, is the shot worth it?
"Very much so," assures Rossigno. "Most of the time the only side effect is soreness at the site and maybe a slight fever, but that is rare. You cannot get the flu from the vaccine because of the way it is manufactured with killed viruses. There is nothing live that can transfer the flu."
Students who are allergic to any component of the vaccine, those who have received any other vaccines during the 10 days prior to being vaccinated for the flu, or those who are pregnant should consult a physician before receiving the vaccine.
The vaccine is especially recommended for people who are immuno-compromised, such as those with HIV/AIDS, those treated for long-time steroid use, and those who have cancer problems. "Anyone with long-term health problems should definitely receive the vaccine," said Rossigno.
All News Stories for Tuesday, November 2, 1999
