Counseling and Health Center battles the flu

A flu clinic was open Oct. 3 and 4 in the Counseling and Health Center to prevent a serious flu season among students.

According to the Centers for Disease Control, the seasonal flu affects the upper-respiratory system, including the chest, nose and throat.  This is not the same as the stomach flu, but more like a common cold that creates a high fever. There are ways to prevent catching or spreading the flu.

Amy Henniges, director of the Counseling and Health Center, said the Counseling and Health Center ran the flu vaccination clinic. She said vaccination is the No. 1 way to prevent the flu. The health center purchased the vaccinations through a state-approved vendor.

Henniges said this year's seasonal flu vaccination protects against the three most common flu strains, which are influenza A, influenza B and H1N1 viruses. The vaccination is meant to last the entire flu season, and is given by injection.

Current faculty, staff and students were eligible to receive the vaccination.

The Counseling and Health Center accepted people on a first-come-first-serve basis while supplies lasted. Registered nurses administered the vaccinations, Henniges said.

After Oct. 4, the health center will accept one-on-one appointments and plans to offer additional dates if their supply lasts.

The vaccination cost faculty and staff members $20. Students paid $15 because a percentage of student segregation fees fund the clinic. Faculty, staff and students can pay for the fee with cash, check or pass points, Henniges said.

Ann Steinberger, worker at the Public Health Department, said the Brown County Health Department also has flu clinics. The clinics are open to Brown County community residents. The vaccinations are $25 per person and are available through injection and nasal vaccines. The age requirement for nasal vaccinations is 2 to 49 years of age.

The county vaccination clinics place emphasis on those 50 years of age or older, chronically ill people, pregnant women, children 6 months to 18 years of age and those who live with someone who is chronically ill or  under the age of 4.

Brown County also offers free vaccines to children 6 months of age to 18. A voluntary donation of $4 is requested but not required, according to the Brown County Health Department.

The Brown County Health Department has a listing of flu clinics available on their website.

Derryl Block, chair of the professional program in nursing, said people have a responsibility to go to school and work, so they want to limit their chance of getting the virus because they don't want to miss anything important.

Henniges said employers and educators tend to be more understanding for an excused absence of an employee or student with the flu, as the CDC recommends staying home for 24 hours after the fever subsides without taking fever medicine to prevent the spread of flu.

According to the CDC, someone who has the flu can spread it up to 6 feet away, and up to one day before there are any symptoms.

Block said someone can inhale droplets of the flu virus that are expelled by coughing and sneezing. Some symptoms could include a fever, body aches, cough, sore throat, headache and fatigue.

Block said the elderly, young children or anyone with a weak immune system due to chronic illness have a higher risk of complications than other people. Thousands of people die from complications with the flu each year. People who are more at risk can receive antiviral medications over the counter from their doctor.

Block said to prevent the flu, people should stay away from anyone who has the flu, wash their hands frequently and avoid touching hands or eyes.