Issue Date: 12/5/05
Maintaining body's natural defenses key to avoiding flu
By Ian Clark
- Page 1 of 1
The flu season is here, and students should be aware of what they can do to avoid it.
Influenza, or what is commonly referred to as the flu, is a virus. It is an acute respiratory infection that can be passed to people in various ways.
Here are some important tips on how to avoid catching someone else's bug.
The flu shot is available at most doctors' offices or at Health Services on the San Marcos campus.
College health nurse Pam Webb said Health Services receives 150 flu shot doses from the Public Health Department per year. Because of the limited number of vaccines compared to Palomar's population, the department is only able to give the flu shot to people who fall into a high-risk category.
Categories considered high-risk include those who are 60 years old or older, patients with a chronic illness, a health care provider or a child caregiver.
Before receiving a flu shot, the patient must be free from any kind of cold or flu. The shot is effective for six to eight months. The cost for students is $15 and staff is $20. Webb said the shots are a popular service.
"We start getting phone calls before we even get it in," Webb said. "A lot of people get it every year. and it is very convenient for them."
She said the department aims to get rid of all of the shots before Christmas break so none of the doses are wasted.
The flu shot, however, is not the only way to prevent students from catching a virus this winter. Webb said the best behavior to follow is keeping up your body's natural defenses. By eating right, getting plenty of rest and regular exercise, she said your immune system will stay strong. She said consuming Vitamin C is also good for the immune system.
Webb said that keeping your hands clean and covering your mouth are also two important ways of staying healthy.
If you do find yourself under the weather, the $13 health fee paid along with tuition at the beginning of the semester entitles students to free evaluations and advice from the nurses on staff at Health Services. The department also staffs a physician who is available by appointment.
The flu weakens the body's natural resistance and could leave a patient open to developing another illness. Webb said it's important to be checked by a professional.
"Use your head. You don't want to run yourself down and infect others," she said.
Out of respect for other students, Webb said that when your feverish, don't come to class.
Influenza, or what is commonly referred to as the flu, is a virus. It is an acute respiratory infection that can be passed to people in various ways.
Here are some important tips on how to avoid catching someone else's bug.
The flu shot is available at most doctors' offices or at Health Services on the San Marcos campus.
College health nurse Pam Webb said Health Services receives 150 flu shot doses from the Public Health Department per year. Because of the limited number of vaccines compared to Palomar's population, the department is only able to give the flu shot to people who fall into a high-risk category.
Categories considered high-risk include those who are 60 years old or older, patients with a chronic illness, a health care provider or a child caregiver.
Before receiving a flu shot, the patient must be free from any kind of cold or flu. The shot is effective for six to eight months. The cost for students is $15 and staff is $20. Webb said the shots are a popular service.
"We start getting phone calls before we even get it in," Webb said. "A lot of people get it every year. and it is very convenient for them."
She said the department aims to get rid of all of the shots before Christmas break so none of the doses are wasted.
The flu shot, however, is not the only way to prevent students from catching a virus this winter. Webb said the best behavior to follow is keeping up your body's natural defenses. By eating right, getting plenty of rest and regular exercise, she said your immune system will stay strong. She said consuming Vitamin C is also good for the immune system.
Webb said that keeping your hands clean and covering your mouth are also two important ways of staying healthy.
If you do find yourself under the weather, the $13 health fee paid along with tuition at the beginning of the semester entitles students to free evaluations and advice from the nurses on staff at Health Services. The department also staffs a physician who is available by appointment.
The flu weakens the body's natural resistance and could leave a patient open to developing another illness. Webb said it's important to be checked by a professional.
"Use your head. You don't want to run yourself down and infect others," she said.
Out of respect for other students, Webb said that when your feverish, don't come to class.