Prescription for flu season

Misconception. Many people don't equate this word with the flu virus, but they can become synonymous.

“Many students think that they have the flu when they vomit,” said Mary Cureton, RN, director of Health Services at Wesleyan. “Flu is not a stomach virus, it is a respiratory ailment.”

Now, with the shortage of flu vaccinations, many are worried about the respiratory ailment affecting them. Generally, the Centers for Disease Control recommend that each year everyone become vaccinated against the virus. This year, though, that warning was changed simply to promote vaccination for those who fit the profile for the high-risk group. These individuals include the elderly, young babies and those who suffer from other chronic illnesses such as asthma, lupus and sickle cell anemia.

“The shortage is due to an English manufacturer that shut down production,” said Cureton. “After their government shut them down, they stopped shipping vaccine, which caused a shortage in the United States.”

Wesleyan is lucky to have secured 100 doses of vaccine before they were unavailable this year.

“I order for the next season before the last season is over,” said Cureton. “Our's came before the situation arrived.” Since news of the shortage has grown, the Wesleyan Health Services Office has become a fail safe for vaccinating students, faculty, staff and their families.

“We gave 55 shots in one day,” said Cureton. “This office was a very different place.”

Fred Weiss, professor of management/business/economics, received a vaccination on Monday.

“I am very greatful to Cureton for having the foresight to make the shots available here on campus,” said Weiss. “I am part of the risk group that makes me three times at risk.”

Even though there are many who need and will benefit from the vaccine, Cureton believes that most of the inquiries this week are due to fear.

“The media frightens people in order to get them to read the paper or watch their show,” she said. “There has been a flu story in every paper. People think that if there is a shortage that they may die.” However, there are many who die each year. 36,000 to be exact.

“Most healthy people do not die of the flu,” said Cureton. “It is generally elderly people that you need to watch for.”

Cureton believes that we need to be deliberate in trying to stay well this season.

“It's doing all the things that your mom told you to do but we never do,” she said. “Get eight hours sleep, eat three square meals a day, take a multivitamin and wash your hands frequently.”

“And do not touch your face!”

Cureton warns that your skin keeps out germs but it is when those germs come in contact with our eyes, ears and mouth that we become open to illness. You may feel healthy but could still get the flu.

“The problem comes with incubation,” said Cureton. “You could be sick and not even know and then spread it unknowingly to others.” How then can you tell if you have the flu?

“High fever is the number-one symptom,” said Cureton. “If students have a high fever, they need to come and see me.”

There are other things that you can do to help you through the flu season, which begins next month. Cureton recommends a national website called FLU 101 (www.flu101.com). The website includes needed information such as symptoms, treatment and who's at risk.

If you are concerned that you may be high risk or have any questions, contact Health Services at ext. 3108.