They're common symptoms of influenza, otherwise known as the flu. Starting Oct. 16, students who want to avoid catching the virus can get a flu vaccine shot at the University Health Center. Whittles especially recommends flu shots to people with illnesses such as asthma, heart disease or diabetes. The vaccine is also good for students who are living in the dorms or other close quarters, she said.
Students can bill the flu shot to their student accounts.
The health center gave out about 1,600 flu shots last year. Although flu season generally peaks between late December and early March, Whittles said it's a good idea to get a flu shot in October and November, before the flu season starts. The health center will provide shots until Dec. 4. Rebecca Mall, a senior health education major, said she got the vaccine at the health center last year. The vaccine worked, Mall said, and she plans to get it done again this year.