It is now getting into later-fall, and that means the flu season is sneaking up on us. There are ways to stay prepared against the flu and other illnesses. Getting a flu vaccine is one of the most effective ways to reduce the risk of getting the flu and prevent serious complications that can arise from it. Best of all, it is free with options coming up around Sackville to stay protected. Even if you are healthy and do not consider yourself at risk, getting vaccinated has larger benefits. Having vaccinations helps protect those who are more vulnerable, such as the elderly or those with weakened immune systems. This concept is often referred to as herd immunity, where widespread vaccination reduces the chances of a flu outbreak on campus.
In 2023, only 42 percent of adults in Canada received their flu shot, leaving a majority of the population vulnerable. In a university setting where students, staff, and faculty interact closely —especially those living in residence—getting vaccinated becomes even more important to prevent the flu from spreading quickly throughout the community.
Mt. A will be hosting their annual on-campus flu clinic on Thursday, October 24, and Friday, October 25, making it easy to get vaccinated without having to leave campus. The clinic is open to all students, faculty, and staff, and you can book your spot through the link you will receive in your Mt. A email. For those who are unable to attend the on-campus clinics, there are other local options available. Pharmacies in Sackville, such as the Guardian Drug Store and Jean Coutu Pharmacy, both offer flu vaccinations, and you can contact them directly to check for availability. It is a quick and easy process, and the benefits of getting vaccinated far outweigh the risk of falling ill during one of the busiest times of the academic year.
In addition to getting vaccinated, there are several other ways you can lower your risk of catching the flu and other respiratory illnesses. Flu viruses can live on surfaces and spread through droplets when people cough or sneeze. So, washing your hands frequently, avoiding touching your face, and covering your mouth with a tissue or your elbow when you cough or sneeze are some simple practices that can make a big difference in keeping flu germs at bay. Maintaining a healthy diet can also help support your immune system during flu season. If you do experience flu-like symptoms such as fever, body aches, or fatigue, you should stay home and rest, both for your own recovery and to prevent spreading the illness to others. If you absolutely have to leave your home, make sure that you wear a mask.
Many misconceptions exist about the flu and the flu shot, which may discourage some people from being vaccinated. It is a popular misconception that receiving a flu shot might cause the illness. In reality, the vaccine contains an inactivated virus, meaning it cannot cause the flu. Another misconception is that if you get the flu shot once, or if you have had the flu before, you are immune for life. In reality, flu strains change every year, and new vaccines are developed annually to target the most common strains, which is why you need to get vaccinated each year to stay protected.
Remember, the flu shot is a quick and effective way to protect yourself and those around you. Make sure to get vaccinated, stay informed, and take proactive steps to stay healthy during this flu season.