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University Health Center Encourages Faculty And Students To Get A Flu Shot

by Gabriella Klaes
11/08/2007

Coughs and sniffles have entered classrooms all over campus just in enough time for exams.
As buildings such as the SLC and dining halls transform into breeding grounds for the flu, the University Health Center encourages faculty and students to get a flu shot.

Influenza, most commonly known as the flu, spreads like wildfire through coughs, sneezes and speaking, said the University Health Center. The flu virus may spread when a person touches a surface that has flu viruses on it - like a door handle or desk - and then touches his or her nose or mouth.

Between 10-20% of people in the U.S. get the flu each year, many of which are students, due to the contagiousness of the flu virus. The Health Center said that a person can spread the flu one day before they feel sick and continue to spread the virus from 3-7 days after symptoms start.

Just passing through the halls, it is hard to ignore the large amount of students who are already showing symptoms. The thought alone is enough to make students miss class.

The flu is a virus that can take up to 1-2 weeks to recover from and students such as Jill Wright, a third year, do not want to risk getting sick during exams. She has already scheduled her flu shot appointment.

“I am sitting in class listening to all of the miserable people who are sick,” Wright said. “I want to make sure that doesn’t happen to me, especially with exams and all of the football games coming up.”

Flu shots are now being offered at the University Health Center for students and faculty by appointed time and are recommended by the medical employees at the center. The cost is $12 for UGA fees paid students and $25 for non-fees paid students. Students must have their student identification.