College students vulnerable to respiratory flu
Each year 25 to 50 million people are diagnosed with the respiratory flu in America.
Around 2.5 million are sick enough to go to the hospital.
In fact, the respiratory flu is responsible for the deaths of around 35,000 people in the U.S. every year.
Marian Romanoski, registered nurse and risk manager of Innovis Health, said it is very important for college students to be immunized.
“ In a confined environment, like a dormitory, dining hall or classroom on a college campus, there’s a huge possibility of the respiratory flu spreading like wildfire,” Romanoski said.
Another contributing factor Romanoski said adds to college students’ vulnerability, in terms of contracting the flu virus, is the typical “weak immune system” of a college student.
“ Most college kids don’t get enough sleep and don’t eat very well, which results in a decrease of antibodies,” Romanoski said.
Drinking and smoking also play a role in a weakened immune system.
Although students may not get sick, the flu is very easily spread to other people with weaker immune systems.
It is possible to contract the virus and pass it on while never feeling the effects of it, as the bug is very easy to pick up, Romanoski said.
“ The little bug can live up to two hours on an inanimate surface,” Romanoski said. “That means, the little critter can sit on a desk, table, countertop, etc., for quite some time before it latches onto its next victim.”
There are two ways to be vaccinated. The more familiar of the two is the flu shot.
Romanoski said flu shots fall into the category of a “kill virus” vaccine. People often think they contracted the virus directly after getting the shot.
However, the coughing or sneezing felt directly after is due to the immune system “revving it up a notch.”
Nasal spray on the other hand – the second form of immunization – is a live strand of the virus which Romanoski said causes antibodies to be formed. When a person comes in contact with the bug, his or her immune system will tell the body, “I’ve already had this … ”
“ Once you have the flu shot, your body recognizes the bug later on, kind of like the chicken pox,” Romanoski said.
Getting the flu shot results in the protection against three different kinds of flu.
Influenza A is the most common. It also causes the most epidemics in the world, making it the most dangerous as well.
A typical case of Type B produces a milder case than that of Type A, while Type C is closely associated with the common cold.
According to FluFacts.com, the most common flu symptoms include chills, muscle aches, high fever, heachaches and extreme tiredness. Not all symptoms may be present at the same time for flu to be experienced however.
Although the flu was once viewed as more of an annoyance than an actual life-threatening illness, the perception of the flu is changing.
“ The flu shot isn’t just for older people and it’s not just for babies. We take this responsibility very seriously,” Romanoski said. “You’re not just protecting you as a student, you’re protecting your family, co-workers, friends and peers.”
To guard against the flu, the Wellness Center is offering a flu immunization clinic for NDSU students and staff 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. Nov. 14 in the Memorial Union Ballroom. The immunization is $20 and can be paid by check, cash or charged to a student account. No appointments necessary.