J. Michael Rodriguez 11

Fevers, muscle aches, chills, sore throats and coughs many times means the flu, so local health agencies are scheduling flu shots for SIUC students whose immune systems are not strong enough to fight the virus.

Chris Labyk, coordinator for wellness programming at Student Health Services, said flu season can begin as early as late November and it is at its worst between mid-January and mid-February.

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Flu shots can be obtained at the Student Health Services, the Jackson County Health Department on Route 13 near Murphysboro and Quality of Life Services in Marion.

Unless you’re elderly or you have a weak immune system you shouldn’t need a flu shot, Labyk said. If you have a strong upper respiratory system, your body can easily fight it off.

The flu shot contains a modified version of the flu. The flu virus is placed in the shot to build up the immune system, which develops antibodies to fight the virus if and when it comes, Labyk said.

The reason the flu season is during winter months is because more people are inside closed quarters, which allows the virus to pass more easily.

Gail Barton, registered nurse and clinical preceptor for Quality of Life Services in Marion, said the flu virus can be passed as easy as handling the same objects with someone who has the virus.

The flu is a virus passed in air and on objects, Barton said. If you chew on your pen that was handled by someone who has the flu virus, you can get the flu.

Labyk urges students to get the shot and to build up their immune system before the virus hits this area.

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If you’ve been exposed to the flu virus already, it’s too late, Labyk said.

After a person is infected with the flu virus he should get a lot of bed rest and fluids and stay at home.

Labyk said preventative measure exist if students wish to fight the virus.

The best thing is a good nutrition and a well-balanced diet, Labyk said. Stay away from second-hand smoke as well because it lowers your resistance of fighting off viruses.

Barton said taking the proper precautions can help people prevent the flu virus from attacking their systems.

Most important, the best line of defense is hand washing, Barton said, after going to the bathroom and before eating.