It’s that time of year again. Midterms have started, papers are written and that’s when the flu hits. At this time every year, the influenza virus begins to spread and students are certainly not immune to it.
Registered Nurse Fran Oliphant from the University Health Services said students may be particularly vulnerable.
“Students are at risk because of the proximity of classes, [in addition] they can be deprived of sleep and nutrition.”
Oliphant advised high-risk people to get vaccinated. This high-risk group includes people over 65 years of age; health care workers; people with lung problems (like asthma or emphysema for example); people with suppressed immune systems; diabetics; and anyone else with long-term health problems.
There is no medication to fight the flu but the vaccine reduces the odds of becoming infected with approximately 70 per cent efficiency.
Flu shot clinics will be held at Varsity Pharmacy & Natural Health on November 5 and 6 from 1:00-5:00 p.m. at a cost of $15.