Despite all of the sneezing, sniffling and coughing, the flu has been on the downturn this season, according to a CNN report, and so has the supply of the flu vaccine. The nation has experienced a shortage due to an unusually large demand for vaccines, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics.
Each year an estimated 36,000 Americans die of the flu, according to the Center for Disease Control. “We are cautiously optimistic that at least in some parts of the country, influenza may have peaked,” Dr. Julie Gerberding of the CDC said. “Thirty-eight states had widespread activity down from 42 reported previously,” Gerberding said.
Every October, Health Services offers the flu vaccine through injection for $15. Nurse Donna DeLeo said that more faculty take advantage of the on-campus availability of the vaccine. “Students don’t tend to get the flu shot,” DeLeo said. Approximately 20 students received the vaccine of a total student population of over 2,300.
If you do get the virus, DeLeo said there is “nothing you can do because it’s a virus.” The most important remedies are rest and drinking a lot of fluids.
