CMU Health Services gears up for flu season

Flu season is fast approaching and as a result, Central Michigan University Health Services is urging students, faculty and staff to get their flu vaccinations as soon as possible.

 

“It is critical that students, faculty and staff get the vaccine because the flu is contagious and can spread quickly amongst those who live and work in close quarters,” says Angela Smith, CMU Health Services assistant director of business services. “Holiday gatherings and shopping are prime opportunities for the flu to spread.”

 

According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, flu viruses spread mainly by droplets made when people with the flu cough, sneeze or talk. A person also can get the flu by touching a surface or object that has flu viruses on it and then touching their mouth, eyes or nose.

 

CDC experts believe that flu viruses can cause mild to severe illness and at times can lead to death. Young children, adults 65 and older, and people who have health conditions like asthma, heart disease and blood disorders are at high risk for serious flu complications.

 

The best way to prevent the flu is by getting vaccinated each year.

 

The flu vaccine will protect against the three flu viruses that research indicates will be most common during the season. This includes an influenza A (H1N1) virus, an influenza A (H3N2) virus and an influenza B virus.

 

CMU’s Foust Hall clinic offers walk-in flu vaccinations for all CMU students, faculty and staff Mondays through Fridays from 8:30 to 11:30 a.m. and 1:30 to 4:30 p.m. Students also can get flu shots at their local pharmacy, health care provider, family doctor or the health department. 

 

To schedule appointments, contact the Foust Hall clinic at 989-774-5693.