Do you know the differences between the cold and the flu? Flu symptoms may include fever, headache, general aches and pains, fatigue, and weakness that can last up to three weeks. Other symptoms are sneezing and sore throat, chest discomfort and cough.
Colds differ from the flu in that fever and headache are rare, while extreme exhaustion never occurs. Aches and pains are occasional while a stuffy nose, sneezing and hacking cough, sore throat, and chest discomfort are common cold symptoms.
Flu can develop into a serious disease that may lead to hospitalization and even death. The flu virus can be spread beginning one day before symptoms appear and for five to seven days after becoming sick. Some people with the virus have no symptoms but can spread the flu to others.
According to Safety Matters Newsletter, the annual flu vaccination is the primary means of preventing influenza and its complications. The Centers for Disease Control estimates that only 40 percent of health care workers in the U.S. are vaccinated against influenza annually. The issue is so critical that the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ “Action Plan to Prevent Healthcare Associated Infections” has established that 90 percent of health care workers receive the flu vaccine annually by 2020. In the state of California, there is a law requiring 100 percent of health care workers to either receive the flu vaccination or sign a declination.
While the timing of flu outbreaks is unpredictable, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, seasonal flu activity can begin in October and continue as late as May.
Flu shots are being offered in many of the University’s schools for their students, faculty, and staff. Additional 2013-2014 seasonal flu shot availability includes:
Where to get your flu shot
Employee health services
Employee health services will offer flu shots at each of the Loma Linda University Health employee benefits fairs (Tuesday through Thursday, Nov. 4 to 6) except Highland Springs. Flu shots are available to Loma Linda University Health employees, medical staff members, and volunteers — don’t forget to bring your badge.
Those who would like to schedule their shot before or after fairs, call employee health services at (909) 558-8797. Employee health services is open from 7:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and is closed for lunch
Center for Health Promotion
Flu shots are offered to students, staff, employees, and the public. Loma Linda University Health students, staff, and employees should bring their risk management card (CHP will bill risk management; no co-pay or fee will be charged).
According to Tami Jacques, RN, clinic manager, Loma Linda University students may request their flu shot any time the clinic is open (8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. and 1:00 to 5:00 p.m. Monday to Thursday, and 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. on Friday). Most schools are also scheduling special clinics for their students.
All others should request their flu shot during International Travel Clinic hours (Wednesdays, 1:30 to 4:00 p.m.).
The Center for Health Promotion offers two types of flu shot: intramuscular, Quadravalent $38; and high-dose $63.50. According to Mrs. Jacques, the high-dose flu shot is recommended for seniors age 65 and better. The quadravalent vaccine contains 4 strains of the flu virus and is available in a very limited supply. After that supply is exhausted, only the usual trivalent (3 strains) will be available.
Center for Health Promotion is located on campus in Evans Hall, Suite 111 (24785 Stewart Street). For more information, call The Center for Health Promotion at (909) 558-4594.