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The Flu ends with “U”
It’s that season again – and I don’t mean hurricanes. Flu season is generally from October through May; peaking in December. 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. UCF makes it incredibly easy and free too.
Flu shots are free to students! The UCF health center is open from 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. weekdays and 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturdays. Students can walk in for a flu shot or make an appointment by contacting the center at 407-823-2701 or StudentHealth. Bring a valid student ID. They can also check out the dates, times, and various locations around campus that UCF has a Mobile Flu-Clinic. The vaccines given on campus do not contain any live influenza virus and take about 2 weeks for protection to develop. The UCF Health Center also has different vitamins and minerals for students. In the past, the health center has done traveling flu shots around the campus. They went around the Student Union, Recreation Center, and dorm halls. Dates are currently being worked on.
Other options to get a flu shot:
- CVS Minute Clinic – if you go on the CVS Minute Clinic website you can find the one closest to you as well as the wait time 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.
- Walgreens – there are quite a few near the campus. Walgreens website will help find the one closest and many are open 24 hours. There is no cost with most insurance. Appointments are not needed, but we recommend calling beforehand to find out what the wait time is.
- Walmart Pharmacy – Supercenter #890, 11250 E Colonial Dr.
- Publix Pharmacy – There are at least 2 that are not far from campus. Students will get a $10 gift card just for getting vaccinated.
- CentraCare – Located at 11550 University Blvd, they take appointments for flu shots.
- 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.
I generally am not one to rush right out and get the flu shot, but then again, I wash my hands constantly, don’t stay up way too late most nights, and don’t sit side-by-side in a classroom each day. I have suggested to my kids over the years that they consider getting vaccinated, but generally, as most college students do, they choose not to. Some, like two of my three kids, just hate shots. Good news; some pharmacies carry FluMist, a nasal spray that works like a vaccine. In the end, they are college students, so there is not much we can say beyond that, but I assure you, if they got the flu, we are their first call.
Of course, there was the year that a bunch of my daughter’s sorority sisters got the flu and she and her roommate panicked and rushed right out late at night to get vaccinated. There is little worse than being hours away from your students and not being able to take care of them. Here is our blog on being Sick at School.
Typical symptoms students can watch for at the onset of the flu as early detection can be beneficial are:
- 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 also are 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 blog Care Packages. If your Knight is sick, students can order chicken soup from the rabbi at Chabad or text 407-310-8876.
Wishing all our Knights a healthy semester.
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