Avoiding The Flu

Each year on average approximately 20% of U.S. residents get influenza (a.k.a the flu). More the 200,000 people are hospitialized from flu complications every year, and since 1976 it is estimated that roughly 49,000 people have died from the flu in the United States. 

While the flu can be treated, it is no laughing matter and prevention of it is crucial. Feeling sick or being around those who have been exposed can increase your risk of getting it and increase the risk of spreading it to others. A person is contagious with the flu for 5-7 days after becoming sick, and 1 day before symptoms occur. You can pass the flu virus to someone else before you even know that you are sick. Typically it takes 1-4 days for a person to become sick after they have been exposed to the virus.

The take home message here is to prevent the spread of the flu by staying home if you feel any flu symptoms. Age groups that are particularly vulnerable to the flu include children and those aged 65 years and older. 

It is important to get a flu vaccine every year to decrease your risk of becoming infected with the flu or passing it on to someone else. Each year the flu vaccination is re-developed and contains new immunity towards the ever developing virus. The effectiveness of the flu shot last year (for the 2011-2012 season) was roughly 50%. Which may not seem like a high number, but it’s important to remember that it takes 2 weeks for the flu shot to become effective, so those receiving it who were already exposed, may have gotten sick and could have skewed this average. 

As midterm passes by and the end of the semester is finally in sight, the last thing you would want to have happen to you would be to catch the flu. Looking to avoid catching the flu this year? Where can you get a flu shot in Butte? Does Tech offer flu shots for students? 

Fortunately for Montana Tech Students a free flu shot is available to all students who have 7 or more credits at the north campus. The shot has been available since October 15 and it will continue to be available until December 21, 2012 in the Student Health Center on the bottom floor of the SUB. The student health center is open weekdays from 10am-2pm. For more information about the shot stop by the health center or call 496-4243. Highlands College students can also receive the shot by paying $30.70. 

Many pharmacies and doctors offices around Butte offer the flu shot at a low or reduced cost. It’s important to get the shot as early as possible to decrease your chances of exposure. Remember it takes 2 weeks for the flu vaccination to become effective, so time is of the essences. Be sure to stop by the student health center to keep yourself healthy this semester!