How many classes or days of work did you miss last year because of illness?

Did you know that the flu usually causes people to be out of work or school for two full weeks?

What impact would this have on your life, your grades, or your budget?

Each year, between November and March, millions of people in the U.S. suffer from influenza (flu) losing untold hours of work and wages. Around 114,000 people are hospitalized and 20,000 people actually die each year due to the flu.

What exactly is "the flu"?

Influenza is a virus that is easily spread through respiratory droplets passed through sneezes, coughs or even speaking. Once contracted, the symptoms appear quite suddenly, including a 3 to 4 day high fever (102-104), headache, extreme fatigue, body aches, cough, sore throat, and nasal congestion, and appear quite suddenly. Unlike the flu, the common cold is rarely accompanied by fever, headache, fatigue, or muscle aches, and is generally much milder and shorter in duration. The flu can also cause serious lung and respiratory complications and worsen other existing medical conditions, such as asthma or congestive heart failure.

Fortunately, each year successful flu vaccines are available to protect us from the specific predicted strains of influenza. Although the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) strongly advises individuals in specific high risk groups to get a flu shot, they also recommend it for anyone who wants to prevent the flu. It is a safe and inexpensive way to protect yourself against the flu. It effectively prevents influenza in 70% to 90% of people who get the shot. Of those who are vaccinated and still get the flu, they are likely to have a much milder case. It is a myth that the flu shot causes the flu (and simply impossible because the vaccine is made from killed influenza viruses). Allergic reactions to the shot are very rare but people who are allergic to eggs, ill with a high fever, or have had previous flu vaccine reactions should not get the flu shot. Your most likely side effect from the flu immunization will be a sore arm!

The ideal time to get a flu shot is in October or November, before the official flu season begins (which is usually in November). Throughout the month of October, Student Health Services will be offering the Flu shot for $ 10.00 to Cabrillo students, staff and faculty.

Flu shots are available on a "Walk in" basis at:

Aptos Campus (Room 912)
Tuesdays: 12noon to 4pm
Wednesdays: 3pm to 6pm
Thursdays: 3pm to 6pm
Fridays: 8am to 1pm.

Watsonville Campus (Student Resource Center Rm 4320)
Thursdays: 11am to 2pm.

Flu Shots are also available by appointment.

Increase your odds of a healthier year and get a flu shot at Cabrillo while supplies last! For more information call: 479-6435 or go to:
www.cdc.gov and search for "flu vaccine".

updated: 10/5/04 by SC