The Flu ends with “U”
It’s that season again – and I don’t mean hurricanes. Flu season generally runs from October through May, peaking in December. Given that the flu is easily spread by coughing, sneezing, and close contact (can you say dorm life and classrooms?), your student may want to consider getting vaccinated. UF makes it incredibly easy to do so, and it’s free.
For some fun and info before we tackle this serious subject, check out UF’s 2014 Silver Addy Flu Shots Music winning video!
The UF health center is currently open for appointments from 8:00 am to 4:30 pm on weekdays. Telehealth visits are also available. Currently, students can make an appointment by contacting the center at 352-392-1161 or visiting the site for UF’s Student Health Care Center. Bring a valid student ID to your appointment. Your student can also check for dates, times, and various locations that flu shots might also be available around campus. The vaccines given on campus do not contain any live influenza virus and take about 2 weeks for protection to develop.
Other Flu Shot Options
- CVS Minute Clinic – Visit the CVS Minute Clinic website to find which of the two clinics in Gainesville is closest to you. You can also check the wait time so you don’t have to sit around for too long. The vaccine can cost between $50 and $70, but many insurance companies will cover it. Check first.
- Walgreens – Walgreens website will help find the pharmacy closest to either campus or your address. Many are open 24 hours. There is no cost with most insurance. Appointments are not needed, but we recommend calling beforehand.
- Publix Pharmacy – There are at least 2 stores with a pharmacy that is not far from campus. Students get a $10 gift card just for getting vaccinated.
An important note: Wherever students go for a flu vaccine, they should stay around about 15 minutes afterward to be sure they do not have any adverse reactions. Good news for your students with an aversion to needles: some pharmacies carry FluMist, a nasal spray that can be administered instead of the traditional flu shot.
Early Detection
As early detection is beneficial, here are typical flu symptoms students can watch for:
- Sudden onset of high fever
- Headache, muscle ache, and joint pain
- Dry cough
- Chills
- Sore throat
- Nasal congestion and runny nose
- Fatigue – which may last for a few weeks after the flu
If students do get the flu, it’s important for them to get a doctor’s note. Not only will they not feel compelled to drag themselves to classes, but they will also have the time they need to heal without spreading the virus further. Professors appreciate the heads-up and are immensely grateful that students aren’t sharing their highly contagious germs. Every school has different policies, but generally, students are academically protected with that doctor’s note.
In the end, there is likely to be an illness during your student’s time at UF, flu, or no. I remember the year that my daughter called crying because she felt so utterly miserable. She sounded so bad that I even asked her if she needed me to drive up there, something entirely out of character for me. But, admittedly, there is little worse than being away from your student and not being able to take care of them when illness strikes. When that happens, here are some suggestions from our blog on being Sick at School.
And if we can’t be there with nursing care, the next best thing is a care package to help them feel better. Check out our blog on Care Packages.
Wishing all our Gators a healthy semester.
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