The National Library of Medicine defines influenza, commonly called the flu, as, “an infection of the nose, throat, and lungs.” According to WebMd, the “percentage of the U.S. population that will get the flu, on average, each year is between 5% and 20%.”

Symptoms of the flu can include fever, chills, aches, weakness, sore throat, congestion, headache, exhaustion, dry cough and possibly red and itchy eyes. Of course, these symptoms vary from person to person and some people may not experience certain symptoms at all. In order to prevent the flu, it’s recommended by the American Thoracic Society that all adults and people over six months old should receive a flu shot. This flu shot is administered in the muscle of the arm, and is especially recommended for people with weaker immune systems. As well as receiving a flu shot, it is recommended that people wash their hands with soap often, avoid contact with sick people, eat healthy, avoid tobacco products and cover one’s nose and mouth when sneezing and or coughing.

Here at Pace, students may take comfort in the knowledge that Health Services, located in Goldstein Fitness Center, offers many services to ensure student health, particularly in the fall and winter when cold and flu season can run rampant.

“Services are almost the same as any doctor’s office,” said freshman psychology major and Pace Health Care receptionist Jennifer. Services include checkups and various vaccinations. These vaccinations do include the flu shot, which is provided based on appointment. The current, preventative advice the Health Center has for students is to “keep washing your hands, keep everything clean, and carry hand sanitizer.”

Of course if students do not receive flu shots and do catch the flu virus, there are steps that can be taken to prevent spreading the flu on campus. Symptoms of the flu such as pain and headache and fever are treatable with common painkillers and fever relievers such as Tylenol, Motrin, and Advil. Flu victims should rest often, drink clear liquids to avoid dehydration, and avoid spreading germs through touching, sharing drinks, etc. Finally, flu victims should stay home from work or school so as not to spread the flu amongst coworkers and peers.

For any students who might like to schedule a flu shot, or who might have any other health concerns, the Health Services office in Goldstein Fitness Center can be reached at (914) 773-3760.