Show a. I Health centers Li offer students flu flu virus protection Connie Dillin C. Health Center advisor FLU F LU S season J son is on the horizon The health centers have a supply of flu vac vaccinations for students and staff The Center for Disease Control recommends a fl flu shot for those over 65 years of age and those with chronic illnesses Other populations that should have a flu shot are medical p professionals and possibly possibly possibly pos pos- sibly child care workers to prevent prevent- the spread of the flu It would also be advisable for anyone who lives w with th an n elderly or infirm person to prevent bringing the flu home to them Getting a flu shot creates antibodies in your system system system tem to help fight the flu off when you are exposed It only lasts about three months The flu shot is js 5 and available at both health center locations locations- locations locations- at and Redwood CI 1 1 Getting d a flu shot lUL UJ does not mean you wont won't get a cold this season The health centers are already seeing a moderate number of students w with th sin sinus us congestion ear pain and sore throats There are a lot of things we can do dolo doto doto to lo help alleviate these sy symptoms associated with colds and seasonal weather changes First drink lots of fluids to help saturate the tissues so that they can work better Drinking carbonated beverages and coffee defeat the purpose They act as asmild asmild asmild mild diuretics reducing your tissue tissue tissue sue saturation A pot of water on the stove or a vaporizer can help keep tissues moist also If you smoke cut back or discontinue For a sore throat warm saltwater gargle throat lozenges lozenges lozenges lozen lozen- and anesthetic sprays may be helpful Analgesics such as aspirin Tylenol or Advil will be helpful for aches athe and pains or fever Nasal and nd sinus congestion congestion tion can n be relieved with a decongestant t. t Ear discomfort from from changes changes in the barometric pressure will also respond to a ad d decongestant is a good product that almost everyone can take without b becoming coming drow drow- sy For chest congestion and anda a tight cough an expectorant expectorant expectorant with will wil help secretions Look for this in the list of in ingredients usually usually in fine print on the side of the box Robitussin-DM Robitussin or its generic DM pM is is' my favorite product Along with steam and all the liquids you are drinking you should feel better If symptoms are severe or last much more than a week stop by one of the health cent centers r and let us check you over Most colds are viral and do not need antibiotics but if you have bronchitis Strep or orr oran orran an n ear infection i a prescription p c ip tion for antibiotics c can ca'n can p be writt written for lor you at the Redwood Red Red- wood Health Center located in the basement basemen t of the College College College Col Col- lege Center Hours are 9 to 3 Mon and Thurs 9 to T W T-W-F. W-F W 1 pm p.m. on The registered nurse at see can check you out but cant can't give you a tion The hours at sec are 11 to 2 Mon and Thurs 9 to noon on T- T W T-W-F. W-F. W Services are free to students and staff |