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Show Flu has arrived with vengence in many areas j By Barbie Sunderland staff writer-Signpost It strikes suddenly with severe muscle aches and a bad headache, accompanied by a fever that can soar as high as 104 degrees. It ravages the body with a sore throat, extreme fatigue, chills and a hacking cough. "It" is influenza, commonly referred to as the flu. The Utah Health Department confirmed Utah's first case of influenza in the lab just after Thanksgiving. The flu season is upon us and it is time to take precautions against the nasty, sometimes deadly virus. One of the best ways to avoid the flu is with a flu shot. Although the ideal time to get a flu shot is from mid-October through mid-November, it is still a good idea for students to get vaccinated if they haven't already.Dr. Shawn McQuilkin of the Weber State University medical clinic in the Student Services Center encourages people to get a shot immediately, especially those considered to be at high-risk. However, students will have to go elsewhere to get a shot as the clinic went through its 500 vaccines in just three days. McQuilkin said this is the quickest he's seen the vaccines go in the three years he's been practicing at WSU. He said that one year WSU bought 800 vaccines and still had some left at the end of the season. The vaccine takes about two to four weeks to take effect. Although the shots won't guarantee a flu-free season, they are about 75 percent effective in preventing the virus. Once stricken with the virus, there isn't much people can do GET PAID FOR SKILL TRAINING. v- .... - Hie Army Reserve will train you in a pecial skill, then let you practice it regularly usually one weekend a nonth plus two weeks' Annual "raining. You'll be well paid for this art-time service more than $18,000 iuring a standard enlistment. And ou'll have valuable skill training to eep for the rest of your life. Think about it. Then think about us. Then call: 801-774-5030 801-776-3701 BE ALL YOU CAN BE. ARMY RESERVE Read the Opinion section on page 4... Getting vaccine better than getting flu Many people avoid flu vaccinations for fear they will suffer a reaction or get the flu The Centers for Disease Control said one of the few reasons people should not get a flu shot is if they are allergic to egg proteins. Vaccines are prepared by growing viruses in eggs. Because the egg cannot be completely extracted from the virus it can leave harmful traces to allergy sufferers. Some people have a misconception about the shots thinking that they can contract the flu from the vaccine. The CDC said it is impossible to get the flu from the vaccine because the viruses are "killed" before being made into vaccine. The most common side effect is soreness at the injection site which besides to get plenty of rest and drink plenty of clear fluids. Over-the-counter pain relievers will help with the aches and fever. Children younger than age 1 8 should be given acetaminophen and not aspirin. The combination of viruses and aspirin have been likened to the development of the Reye's syndrome, a potentially fatal disease in children. The biggest problem with the flu in the college population is that students don't get enough rest," McQuilkin said. "It is important to rest an additional 24 to 48 hours after the fever breaks and you start feeling better." People should start to feel better within five days, according to McQuilkin. However, if the fever spikes and coughing is accompanied with yellow, green or brown phlegm, McQuilkin said it is imperative for people to see a physi HIGHER GROUNDS Coffee House & New York Deli MON-THURS 8AM-1 I PM FRI-SAT 8AM-1 AM Gourmet Coffee, Sandwiches, Desserts & more :$i:0'0'offnyi (WITH THIS COUPON) 1 LCI 1 1 . I 250 E. 4275 S. (BEHIND GALAXY DINER) 394-2800 becau every SCGU3 is not black and wliii2? Who should get a flu shot? People who fit the following criteria are considered to be high-risk and should definitely be vaccinated: Are over age 64 Have long-term medical problems involving the heart, lungs, or kidneys Have diabetes, certain blood abnormalities, or problems with the immune system Come in close contact with persons who are vulnerable to the flu From: Consultant, 995 and The Center for Disease Control happens in less than one third of those who are vaccinated. About 5-1 0 percent experience a headache or low grade fever. Children who have not been exposed to influenza in the past are the cian. These symptoms may indicate the onset of a secondary bacterial infection that can lead to pneumonia or other complications. Unlike a viral infection, bacterial infections can be treated by antibiotics. The flu is spread through the air by people inhaling the virus from someone who is coughing and sneezing nearby. People can also contract the virus through direct hand contact. If they get the virus on their hands and then touch their mouth, nose or eyes they can pass the virus to themselves and others. To avoid contracting'the flu from direct hand contact, it is important for people to wash their hands frequently and to keep their hands away from their faces. Various health organizations track the virus from October to March each year. According to Gerrie Dowdle of FAST SERVICE DINING ; DOWNSTAIRS CASUAL UPSTAIRS ) COUCHES & TABLES S3506D Hi most likely to experience these side effects. People who have allergies to egg proteins or other concerns about the flu shot should talk to their physician. the Utah Health Department, it is important to know what type of influenza is circulating so officials can develop a vaccine for the next year. A collaboration of labs for the U.S. World Health Organization received 5,000 specimens from mid-September tomid-November. Of these, two percent tested positive for influenza 95 percent tested positive for type A and five percent for type B. Remember, once this year's flu season is over a new season will just be months away. And because shots are effective for only six months and next year's strain will be different, it will be necessary to get another shot. For more information about the flu or to find out where flu vaccinations are given, call the Student Health Center at 626-6459. n iiw.i m ilia Consider Weber State University Student A ccident & Health Insurance Plan Highlights of the plan include - Your deductible can be accumulated over the school policy year. - Provides coverage 24 nours per day, days a week anywhere m the world. - Economical rates - Covers in & out of hospi I. ait. - 80 reimbursement rate. w r . i j an i is inejinai premium payment day for Winter quarter Dental coverage available "smmMihLmipt vfimmftri turn. Space From front page The students involved in the CAST program come for a variety of reasons as well. Some are doing senior projects, some are completing special topic courses, and others are just working to get through school, Smith said. Jon Jensen, a WSU freshman who became involved in with the program at the invitation of a friend, currently provides part of the computer support for CAST. "I'm really fascinated with the industry," Jensen said, referring to the field of aerospace. "It's fun to be involved." Jensen troubleshoots computer problems on programs used for CAST projects, and he helps keep the ground station running for WeberSAT. The satellite has been in orbit for over six years, sending signals to CAST, where the information is recorded. "It's agrowing field," Jensen said. "If satellites are anything students are remotely interested in, we'd be glad to give them a tour. The program can always use new students." Being involved with satellites and the aerospace program will greatly enhance a student's portfolio, Jensen said. And it's exciting to see the process of research and development unfold. "I'd just like to be there and see what comes back in the transmissions," Jensen said. JOIN THE ADVENTURE Apply for a job at The Signpost call Heather at 626-7121 rv ( - f AW & A. V T3J fc4 |