HEALTH NEWS
PURCHASE COLLEGE HEALTH SERVICE
September 2010
“FACT OR FICTION” TOPIC: FLU
1. Students can get the flu shot now for this flu season at the Student Health Services.
TRUE
(FACT: The Center for Disease Control (CDC) recommends the FLU Shot. It takes two
weeks after the flu shot for your body to develop antibodies against the flu. Protection lasts
for one year, so getting the flu shot now is advised before we see the start of the flu season
on campus.)
2. You can get the flu from the flu shot.
FALSE
(FACT: You cannot get the flu from the flu shot.)
The flu shot has inactivated (killed) antigen that stimulates your body to develop
antibodies against the flu.
3. Health Care Providers recommend a yearly flu shot for people living in dorms to prevent the
flu.
TRUE
(FACT: The yearly influenza vaccine is recommended for anyone who wants to reduce the
likelihood of becoming ill with influenza or spreading influenza to others.)
4. This years’ 2010/2011 seasonal Flu vaccine is an “All in One” flu vaccine.
TRUE
(FACT: This year’s 2010/2011flu vaccine is a trivalent flu vaccine that will protect you
from 3 flu strains: Influenza A (H1N1),Influenza A (H3N2 found in Perth,Australia2009)
and Influenza B (Brisbaine).
The CDC has already reported cases of the Influenza A H3N2(Perth) strain in the United
States in August 2010 so getting your flu shot as a soon as possible is advised. Further
information on this year’s flu vaccine can be found at http://www.cdc.gov/flu.
PLEASE CALL HEALTH SERVICES (914-251-6385) TO MAKE AN
APPOINTMENT FOR YOUR FLU SHOT
Check your health knowledge:
Is it the cold or the flu? (From the Nat’l Institute of Allergy and Infectious Disease)
Symptoms COLD FLU
Fever Rare or Characteristic: high fever
Low grade fever 102-104F, fever lasts 3-4 days
Headache Rare Prominent
General Aches, Pains Slight Usual, often severe
Stuffy Nose Common Sometimes
Sore throat Common Sometimes
Sneezing Usual Sometimes
Cough/Chest Discomfort Hacking Cough Cough Common, can be severe
Prevention None Annual Flu vaccination
Treatment Supportive Care Antiviral Medication