The Circle

If missing two weeks of class or work doesn't sound appealing, especially with the end of the semester approaching, the nurses in Health Services recommend the flu shot.

This year, Health Services has changed its plan for distribution of flu vaccinations. The slogan for their new campaign reads, "Get in the game and take your shot," and that is exactly what they want the Marist community to do.

In previous years, those wishing to receive the shot had to make an appointment with the Health Services office well in advance. No appointments are necessary this year; those looking to receive the shot can simply show up and get vaccinated on the spot.

Health Services will hold Influenza (flu) vaccination clinics at various locations across campus over the next few weeks. At the clinics, students, faculty and staff will be able to receive a flu shot on site for $20. On average, the process takes about five minutes. Susan Strauss, a nurse in the Health Services office, said she feels the presence of the clinics will encourage more members of the Marist community to get vaccinated.

"It will bring an immediate response," said Strauss.

According to Strauss, a total of 400 students, faculty and staff received vaccinations from Health Services last year. This year, Strauss hopes that number will double.

In an email sent to the student body in late October, Health Services informed students that the shot is recommended for all. Strauss said the shot is particularly recommended for those living on campus.

"You are living in close quarters," said Strauss. "If one person gets the flu, the chances of it spreading throughout the dorm are much higher."

Strauss said the flu is spread through respiratory droplets, which can include an innocent cough or sneeze from the person sitting next to you in class.

According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), the flu is a contagious respiratory virus which can cause mild to severe illness. The CDC's Web site said that each year, anywhere from 5 to 20 percent of the population gets the flu.

Symptoms of the influenza virus can include high fever, headache, extreme drowsiness, dry cough and a sore throat. A full list of flu symptoms and ways to differentiate between the common cold and the flu is available CDC's website or in the Health Services office.

Serious complications such as dehydration, pneumonia, sinus infections and ear infections can occur for those who are not vaccinated and do contract the virus.

Strauss said that many question whether or not they need the vaccination.

"People claim they have never gotten the flu and think they don't need it," said Strauss. "This is a way of preventing it and making it far less severe."

Strauss' argument against that statement is simple. She said that if someone is vaccinated and contracts the flu virus, they could be sick in bed for three days. If someone is not vaccinated and contracts the virus, they could be sick in bed for two weeks.

Students, faculty, and staff have already begun attending clinics and receiving their vaccinations. Sophomore Moe Betz is the stage manager for Children of Eden, the musical being performed by Marist's Theatre Arts program. Betz said she got the shot because she can't afford to catch the flu.

"I hate getting sick," said Betz. "The play is coming up and I really don't want to get the flu for the weekend."

Senior Kate Goodin said she wasn't sure if she needed the shot, but was getting it as a precaution.

"It's best to keep yourself protected," said Goodin.

Director of Judicial Affairs Christine Nadeau-Pupek said she received the vaccination to avoid an illness similar to one she had last winter.

"I just don't want to have the flu affect the upcoming holidays or downtime in January," said Nadeau-Pupek.

According to Strauss, the most common side effect to receiving the vaccination is soreness in the arm where the shot was given, which is cured by a warm compress on the sore area. She also said that, contrary to popular belief, a person cannot get sick from getting the vaccination.

"The flu shot is a treated, killed virus," said Strauss. "You cannot get the flu from getting the flu shot."

Strauss said the $20 cost is standard for any flu shot, no matter if you get it from a home physician or through Health Services.

The flu season can start as early as October and last as late as May, according to the CDC. Strauss said that the Marist Health Services Department has an ample supply of shots, however, which means going home for the shot is not necessary.

As far as staying healthy this winter goes, Strauss said there is more to it than simply getting the flu vaccination.

Dressing appropriately in the cold weather is of key importance. Strauss recommends that if it's cold outside, wear a coat, gloves, a hat, or whatever necessary to stay warm. She also recommends not sharing drinks or utensils with anyone, no matter whether or not he or she are sick. Maintaining good hygiene is also crucial to staying healthy this winter.

"More than anything else, wash your hands," said Strauss.

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