By: Maddie Day ~Staff Writer~
McGrath Health and Wellness Center will offer an influenza vaccination clinic on Wednesday, Oct. 1 in the Gallagher Student Center (GSC) as part of the Week of Wellness event.
Members of the Xavier community will have access to a mist inhalation flu vaccine, which defends against four major strains of the influenza virus.
The inhalation flu vaccine will cost $30, and students will have the option to put the charge on their bursar bills.
Traditional flu shots are expected to be available at McGrath by Oct. 15.
The flu is a highly contagious respiratory illness. In the United States alone, 36,000 people die and more than 200,000 are hospitalized each year because of the flu. The best way to prevent outbreaks is to get vaccinated every year.
“Students with certain health conditions, like asthma, should get a flu shot as soon as possible,” associate director of Health Services Mary Rosenfeldt said. “Many community pharmacies have received flu shot vaccine shipments and are vaccinating now.”
Students, faculty and staff should note that it takes about two weeks to develop immunity after receiving the vaccine.
Flu viruses spread mainly by droplets produced when people with the flu cough, sneeze or talk. These droplets can land in the mouths or noses of people nearby.
As flu season approaches, students and faculty should wash hands frequently, exercise and get plenty of sleep to boost their immune systems and protect against the influenza virus.
If you are experiencing a fever, cough, sore throat, headache, fatigue or muscular aches, you may have the flu and should refrain from attending classes and other events that could spread illness.
The Week of Wellness event, which is sponsored by the Student Health and Education Leaders, will take place Oct. 1 – 8.
It will give students, faculty and staff the opportunity to reflect on mental health awareness, suicide prevention, education and overall personal well-being.
The Week of Wellness will also include a “Mindfulness Experience” sponsored by McGrath Heath and Wellness and the Department of Counseling.
This event will take place from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Oct. 1 in GSC.
Then, on Oct. 6, Xavier’s Active Minds will sponsor “National Day Without Stigma” to raise awareness for suicide prevention.
The Week of Wellness will conclude with a Warrior Run event, which raises awareness for mental health issues, will be held on Oct. 11 in Mariemont at Bell Tower Park.