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‘Tis the season for flu shots
Norris Health Center makes vaccine convenient for campus residents
By Michelle Sauer
“Most people are ill with influenza for several days, but some get much sicker and may need to be hospitalized.” –Colleen Bernstein, RN at the Norris Health Center PO: Flu season typically lasts from December through February and causes many absences from school for students during that time.
As flu season quickly approaches, staffs of the Norris Health Center are looking to bring students both information and antidotes to prevent the disease from affecting them.
“True influenza is easily spread from person to person and the symptoms are high fever for three to four days, fatigue, weakness, headache, extreme exhaustion lasting up to two to three weeks, general aches and pains,” says Colleen Bernstein, an RN at the Norris Health Center.
Flu season typically lasts from December through February, and causes many absences from school for students during that time. “The flu is very different from a simple cold and can put you in bed for a few days,” Julie Bonner, manager of the Center. “This can result in some issues with school, but working with the Dean of Students and faculty is the way to go in terms in order to avoid having it more significantly impact your academics.” The vaccine is not a live vaccine, meaning that it will not cause you to get the flu upon receiving it, like a chicken pox shot, for example, could.
Norris Health Center has begun offering clinics throughout campus, staffed by nursing students who are receiving clinical experience through this opportunity.Shots are given on a first come first serve basis as the vaccine supply allows. “Students living in the residence life should strongly consider this, as they have contact with many, many people on a daily basis, and influenza is spread very quickly,” Bernstein says. The cost of the vaccine is $10 for UWM students with I.D., $20 for faculty and staff, and $25 for community members at least 9 years old. Cash, check, VISA, and Panther Cards are accepted. Sandburg clinics are open to UWM students, faculty and staff, whereas the RiverView and Kenilworth clinics are only open to residence. The only stipulation to the Sandburg clinics is the time constraints.
The Sandburg clinics are open until 5 p.m. to the above mentioned individuals, and to residents only after 5 p.m. Appointments can still be made at Norris Health Center, even when there are no clinics, by calling (414) 229-4716 any time.
“Anyone can get influenza,” Bernstein notes. “Most people are ill with influenza for several days, but some get much sicker and may need to be hospitalized.”
She went on to iterate that influenza causes thousands of deaths each year, mostly among the very young, the elderly and the immune-compromised. These individuals are especially encouraged to seek treatment, but it is important for everyone to receive an annual vaccination. Questions can be directed to Bernstein by calling 414-229-6668 or visiting the Norris Health Center Web page.
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