The University Department of Student Health has seen an increase in the number of positive flu cases this past week as compared to a year ago.
"The thing that is different this year is that we are seeing the flu arrive into Virginia earlier than in previous years," Student Health Nursing Manager Sandi Murray said.
Close to 2,300 students took advantage of the flu clinics offered at Newcomb Hall Nov. 6 and an additional 800 also have been vaccinated at Student Health. Despite the vaccination drive, there have been almost 20 documented cases of the flu to date at the University. This is compared to previous years in which there have been no cases reported before the second week of November.
"This is the earliest I have ever seen this here since 1985, when I first started working with college health," Student Health Director James C. Turner said. "We have a total of 3,100 students who have been vaccinated. We would still encourage students to come in and get the shot."
Students who get the flu also can be treated at Student Health.
"There are anti-viral agents available for the flu," Turner said. "You need to be treated early on, within the first 24 hours, or at least 48 hours with onset of fever."
Murray said there are notable differences between the common cold and influenza.
"More than likely, they will feel very ill, very fast. They are gong to have fever, body aches and coughs," Murray said. "If they have any questions they can call student health and speak with a nurse. We will talk through the symptoms with them."
Vaccines are available on a walk-in basis Monday through Friday at Student Health and cost $20. Vaccines may be covered by insurance, depending on the policy.
It takes between 10 to 14 days to build up an immunity to the flu after receiving the vaccine and students who may have had contract with the virus are advised to see a doctor.
Students can also opt to receive the vaccines via a nasal spray instead of an injection.
"It is a nice option for students who have a phobia to needles," Murray said. "It is a little more expensive and insurance is not necessarily going to defray the cost of this."
Turner explained that the flu injection contains a dead virus while the spray has a live sample. Although the injection can make a patient's arm soar for a day, the nasal spray often leaves the patient with a headache and soar throat for several days.
Some students complain that they have gotten the flu shortly after receiving the vaccine. Murray cautions students not to believe that the vaccine itself can bring about the flu.
"You don't get the flu form the shot," Murray said. "Usually what has happened is they had contact with the flu before they had the shot or the immunity from the shot" took affect.
Read More
Visa status restored for one international student and two recent University graduates
By Jackie Bond | 20 hours agoAccording to a statement from University Spokesperson Bethanie Glover, the University learned of the visa terminations of the current student and two alumni April 4
Students react to President Ryan signing national letter defending higher education
By Brendon Bordwine | YesterdayWhile some students praised the move as a stand for academic freedom, others questioned its impact amid recent DEI rollbacks and safety concerns
Honor Committee adjusts panel scheduling and discusses term goals for subcommittees
By Bertie Azqueta | 2 days agoThe Committee will not reconvene for an in-person meeting until the Fall 2025 semester.
