Show I Flu Shots Available I The Human Side SideBy By Connie A AKing King KingRA PA Redwood Health t. t Center The Health Centers have a good supply of this years flu vaccine available for students staff and fac fac- fac- fac The Center for Disease Control recommends a flu shot for those over 65 years of age and those with chronic illnesses like diabetes or cancer Other populations populations populations lations that should have a flu shot are medical professionals and possibly possibly possibly pos pos- sibly child care workers to prevent the spread of the flu It would also be advisable for anyone who liv lives s with an elderly or infirm person to prevent bringing the flu home to them Because the flu vaccine should only be given while pregnant if it is clearly indicated please check checkwith checkwith checkwith with your physician before getting the flu shot if you are pregnant Children are not eligible for flu shots at the College Health Centers Flu Au vaccine should not be given to anyone who is sensitive or allergic to eggs or another component of the vaccine called Getting a flu shot creates antibodies antibodies antibodies anti anti- bodies for the specific strains in each years formula to help fight the flu off when you are exposed Getting a flu shot does not mean you wont won't get a cold or even some other flu strain this season This years formula contains strains of Texas A as and Harbin B and The Health Centers are already seeing a moderate number of students students students stu stu- dents with an abrupt onset of a sore throat and some nausea There are arc a alot alot a. a lot of things we can do to help alleviate alleviate alleviate alle alle- these symptoms associated with colds and seasonal weather changes First Fast increase your fluid intake to help saturate the tissues s so so that they can work better Drinking carbonated carbonated carbonated car car- beverages and coffee defeat the purpose They act asmild as asmild asmild mild diuretics reducing your tissue saturation A pot of water on the stove or a vaporizer can help also If you smoke cut back or discontinue For a sore throat warm wann saltwater gargle throat lozenges and anesthetic anesthetic anesthetic anes anes- 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 will be helped by a decon- decon is a good product product product prod prod- to take in the daytime Products with will help liquefy liquefy liquefy secretions and help head and chest congestion If symptoms are severe or last much more than a week stop by byone byone byone one of the Health Centers and let us Continued on Page 3 Continued from Page 2 check you over Most colds colds' are viral and do not need antibiotics but if you have bronchitis Strep or an anear anear anear ear infection a prescription for antibiotics can be written for you at atthe atthe atthe the Redwood Health Center located on the lower level of the College Center Hours are 9 am to 3 pm on Monday and Thursday 9 am to 1 pm on Tuesday Wednesday and Friday The Health Center at is open 9 am to 1 pm Monday through Friday but prescriptions prescriptions prescriptions pre pre- pre pre- are not available Both Health Centers offer free services to our college community The only charges are for immunizations At Redwood pay for your flu shot at atthe atthe atthe the Courtesy Booth and bring the receipt to the Health Center |