Although the Centers for Disease Control does not project a severe year for the flu, Duke is still taking precautions aimed at preventing the virus from spreading this fall.
Duke held a free flu vaccination clinic Wednesday in the Bryan Center open to anyone with a valid DukeCard. Jean Hanson, assistant director for Student Health, said she expected that the clinic would provide about 1,200 shots, but only 300 to 400 shots had been administered toward the end of the event.
Hanson said she believes it is important for all students to know the facts about seasonal influenza and the resources available to them, even if the flu is not considered to be as pressing a health risk as it was last year.
“It is extremely important in college. As students, you don’t have time to take off from class, and so should do everything in your power to prevent illness or recover fast,” she said.
Duke has hosted flu vaccine clinics for about 15 years, with an average attendance of 1,100. Hanson attributed the low attendance at this year’s clinic to inadequate publicizing efforts.
“There was a lot of publicity last year about the possible H1N1 pandemic and you’re not hearing that this year,” she said. “Because people are less alarmed, they are not taking proper precautions.”
The CDC predicts each year’s overall flu outlook by measuring the prevalence of the virus in South American nations, which have already endured this winter’s flu season, and then makes a general prediction. This year’s vaccine protects against three strains of the virus.
“The three vaccine viruses are chosen to maximize the likelihood that the main circulating viruses during the upcoming flu season will be well covered by the vaccine,” according to a statement issued by the CDC.
The H1N1 vaccine is included in this year’s shot, unlike last year when it was administered separately.
Corrine Arunbel, a nurse precept from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill who helped administer the shots at Duke, said she thinks no one is reading the posters outlining the benefits, side effects and general information about the vaccine.
“It’s for their own sake that we post this information,” she said. “[The posters] warn [people] about dangerous allergies, the contents of the vaccine and conditions such as a fever that preclude getting a vaccine.”
Viola Minicozzi a second-year MBA student at the Fuqua School of Business, said she has received the flu shot for years, yet only considers herself “moderately informed” about the contents of the vaccine.
There have already been 10 reported cases of the flu this season at Duke, which Hanson said is in line with last year’s numbers. The University, however, does not test for the flu; Student Health simply identifies “flu-like symptoms.”
Student Health officials recommend that students wash their hands, drink plenty of liquids and get as much rest as possible when they exhibit flu-like symptoms. Hanson also urged the student body to utilize the University’s free vaccination program.
“Take advantage!” cried Thuy Nuygen, another nurse precept from UNC giving shots Wednesday.
Students who missed Wednesday’s clinic can set up an appointment with Student Health to receive a free vaccination.
Get The Chronicle straight to your inbox
Signup for our weekly newsletter. Cancel at any time.