Flu shots were administered on-campus throughout November. More than 650 students, staff and faculty visited the flu clinic and received their shot.
No one likes to be sick during the holidays. With that in mind, Durham College students, staff and faculty took advantage of the free flu clinics held this past November at the Campus Health Centre.
More than 650 students, staff and faculty from the Oshawa and Whitby campuses received their vaccination during eight different clinics designed to ward off influenza, which can be a serious, acute respiratory virus. Symptoms include cough, fever, chills, sore throat, headache, muscle aches and fatigue and usually begin one to three days after being infected and can last five to 10 days.
"Our flu clinics were very successful this year, we had a great turnout," said Teresa Engelage, a health nurse at the Campus Health Centre. "Remember, it's not too late, you can still receive your flu shot and get protected this year."
The flu shot administered this year was a trivalent vaccine, offering protection from three different strains of flu: the A/Solomon Islands, A/Wisconsin and B/Malaysia.
Person-to-person transmission occurs by direct contact, through coughing or sneezing. While washing your hands several times a day cuts down on the transmission of the virus, immunization remains the most effective means to reduce the impact.
With a good match, the vaccine can prevent influenza in 70 per cent of healthy people who receive a flu shot, while the small percentage of people who still get the flu will have symptoms that are not as severe as normal.
Students, staff and faculty who missed the clinics are encouraged to get vaccinated before the holiday break. Appointments to receive the flu shot can be made by calling the Health Centre at extension 3037. Anyone receiving the vaccination is reminded to also bring their health card.