Flu season begins — first campus case documented

December 19, 2008

GAINESVILLE, Fla. — Flu season is officially on campus. The Student Health Care Center (SHCC) confirmed its first flu case in late November.

In order to safeguard students and faculty from catching the flu, the SHCC recommends that everyone receive a flu shot. Here are the top five reasons:

  • The flu shot protects against three different strains of the influenza virus.
  • Flu viruses are always changing, so it’s typical for new strains to appear this year.
  • Sixteen of the last 20 flu shots have been well-matched with the viruses circulating that season.
  • If the flu vaccine is well-matched to the virus, the effectiveness rate is between 70 and 90 percent in healthy adults.
  • Even if the flu shot is not well-matched, it can still provide enough protection to prevent or lessen the severity of the flu.

Students, faculty and staff may get a flu shot at the Student Health Care Center on a walk-in basis, Monday through Friday, 8 to 11 a.m. and 1 to 4 p.m. The cost is $5 for students and $25 for faculty and staff. Call 352-392-1161 for more information.