STORY BY JOSH HUGHES
Drake is unique in offering many activities that will benefit the overall college experience. But one experience that ought to be avoided? The flu.
The risk of a compounding virus that leads to sickness far worse is ever-present, considering the lack of sleep and diet many college students have.
This year, the campus health center wants to help mitigate the spread of the flu.
Today, students can stop by the Olmsted breezeway to grab a quick flu shot between 11 a.m. and 1 p.m.. It costs just $25 for the shot or intranasal vaccine. Faculty and staff will be offered the shot next week, on October 7.
“It’s so important to get vaccinated. It doesn’t matter if you’re a first-year or a senior; the risk is still equal,” said Mary Beth Olander, one of the nurses at the Drake health clinic. “The vaccine goes right with good hand-washing and covering coughs in flu prevention.”
It’s much better and more proactive to get immunized before the start of formal “flu season” to diminish risk.
“Oh, it’ll take less than five minutes, for sure!” Olander laughs. “We’ll get you in and out and ready for winter.”