Show Health Officials Encourage Shots to Guard Against Flu By Connie King C Redwood Health Center With flu season rapidly approaching approaching approaching ap ap- ap- ap many people are preparing preparing preparing ing themselves by getting flu shots The Health Centers still have a good supply of flu vaccine The Center for Disease Control recommends a flu shot for those over 65 years of age and those with chronic illness like diabetes or cancer Others who should have a flu shot arc medical professionals and possibly child care workers to prevent prevent prevent pre pre- pre pre- vent the spread of the flu The shot would also be advisable for anyone who lives with an elderly or infirm person to prevent bringing the flu home to them Getting a flu shot does not mean you wont won't get a cold this season The Health Centers are already seeing a moderate number of students with an onset of a sore throat and some nausea There are a lot of things that we can do to help alleviate these 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 such as Coke or Pepsi and coffee defeat the purpose They act as mild diuretics reducing tissue Or saturation A pot of water on the stove or a vaporizer can help too If you smoke cut back or discontinue For a sore throat gargle with warm saltwater Throat lozenges and anesthetic sprays may help Tylenol or Advil will be helpful for aches and pains or aspirin for fever Congestion and ear discomfort from changes in the barometric pressure pressure pressure pres pres- sure will be helped by a tant is a good product to take in the daytime Products with will help secretions secretions secretions secre secre- and help chest congestion If symptoms are severe or last much more than a week stop by one of the Health Centers and let us check you out Most colds are viral and do not need antibiotics but if you have bronchitis strep or an ear infection a prescription for antibiotics can be written for you at the Redwood Health Center which is located on the lower level of the College Cen Cen- ter Hours are 9 3 a.m. pm p.m. Monday and Thursday and 9 l a.m. pm p.m. on Tuesday Wednesday and Friday The South City Health Center is open 9 noon a.m.-noon Mon Mon- Friday day-Friday but prescriptions are not available there Both centers offer free services to students and staff The only charges are for im im- im- im |