Flu Season Ahead

The Flu ends with “U”

It’s that season again – and I don’t mean hurricanes. Flu season is generally from October through May. Given that the flu is easily spread by coughing, sneezing, and close contact – and what gets closer than dorm life and classrooms – your student may want to consider getting vaccinated.

HaveUHeard the UNF’s Student Health Center offers the flu vaccine?  During flu season the cost for the vaccine is $20.00 and students must make an appointment  904-620-2900.

Another option to get a flu shot is at:

• CVS Minute Clinic – Located within minutes from UNF.  If you go on the CVS Minute Clinic website you can find what the wait time is so you don’t have to sit around for too long. The vaccine can cost between $50 and $70, but chances are insurance will cover it.  Check first. And CVS will give you a coupon for $5 off $25 when you get a no-cost flu shot.
• Walgreens – This is the closest Walgreens to campus.   There is no cost with most insurance. Appointments are not needed, but we recommend calling beforehand to find out what the wait time is. Walgreens will also give you a coupon to earn a $5 reward on your next purchase of $15 or more
• Publix Pharmacy – There are at least 3 that are not far from campus. Students will get a $10 gift card just for getting vaccinated.
• Walmart Pharmacy – This is the location on Beach Blvd.  Other Walmart locations are not as close.  No out of pocket expense with most insurance plans
• Florida Health is an excellent tool for locating flu vaccines that are conveniently located for any county in Florida.

Wherever students go for a flu vaccine, they should stay about 15 minutes afterward to be sure they do not have any adverse reactions. Generally, I am not one to rush out and get a flu shot and I discuss with my kids their choices as well. I encourage them to wash their hands and to carry hand sanitizer. Typically speaking, most college kids, mine included, choose not to get a shot/vaccine. If they do get the flu or any other illness there are plenty of things that can be done to assure their speedy recovery. Here is our blog on being Sick at School.

Here are the typical symptoms students can watch for at the onset of the flu as early detection can be beneficial:

• Sudden onset of high fever
• Headache, muscle aches, 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, they should know that they can get a doctor’s note so they don’t feel compelled to drag themselves out of bed and trudge to classes. Professors not only appreciate the heads up but are also grateful that students don’t come and share their germs. The flu is highly contagious. Every school has different policies on this, but generally, students are covered with that doctor’s note.

As parents, we can hope they never get sick, but if they do, the next best thing might be to send a care package to help them feel better. Check out our Care Packages blog for recommendations on places we recommend for soup.

Wishing all our Ospreys a healthy semester.

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