The University Health Center is located on Campus Drive and provides a range of health services to students.
Though university students are more likely to contract the flu than more-publicized ailments such as Ebola or meningitis, fewer are getting flu vaccines than in years past, according to the University Health Center.
As of Nov. 4, nurses had administered 1,894 flu shots to students at the health center, down from 1,976 at the same time last year, health center Director David McBride wrote in an email.
The health center has already confirmed one case of the flu, said Tina Thorburn, the center’s nursing supervisor, and staff members are treating more students with flu-like illnesses. But some said they’re still not concerned.
“I haven’t gotten a flu shot yet, but I don’t think it’s really necessary,” said Dan Nguyen, a junior kinesiology major.
The flu, which remains one of the leading causes of death in this country, peaks between November and March. Still, more than 60 percent of Americans do not get a flu shot each year, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Although 90 percent of flu-related deaths occur in people ages 65 and older, according to the CDC, the health center still recommends students receive the vaccine.
“Last year, the flu seemed to be targeting young people and college-aged students,” Thorburn said. “If you’re a normal student who is living away from home, not eating as well, under stress from classes and not getting enough sleep, you are basically setting yourself up.”
The CDC recommends the flu vaccine for two reasons: one, the body’s immune response to the vaccination declines over time and, two, because flu viruses are continually changing.
Every year, the CDC and World Health Organization take samples from the most flu-ridden areas. By getting a flu shot, students protect themselves from the four worst strains anticipated, based on the CDC’s results in the previous year, Thorburn said.
Even without insurance coverage, an injectable vaccine is available for $25 and FluMist, a nasal spray, costs $35 to students, faculty, staff and visitors at the health center.
Besides these flu shot clinics, there are many free clinics throughout Prince George’s County. Students can find a free flu shot voucher at any Walgreens, as part of the franchise’s $10 million campaign to improve flu immunization rates for a fifth year.
Continuous free flu shot clinics also are offered at Cheverly Health Center in Cheverly and D. Leonard Dyer Regional Health Center in Clinton from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Monday through Friday and every Wednesday, respectively, until vaccination supplies run out, according to their websites.
McBride recommended students or faculty members who contract the flu stay at home and rest, wash their hands regularly, cover their cough and avoid touching their face, nose, mouth and eyes.
“Getting a two-second shot versus being laid up for a week — there’s no reason to not get the shot,” Thorburn said. “[The flu’s] not fun, and nobody can afford to miss a week of school.”
