“It put a damper on my week. It sucked. The symptoms were bad, horrible stomach bug the whole nine yards.”
-Robert Williams, Syracuse University sophomore
SYRACUSE, N.Y. (NCC News) — Flu season typically runs from October to May in the United States, peaking from December to February.
Influenza is a contagious respiratory illness caused by viruses that infect the nose, throat, and lungs. The flu was the 12th leading cause of death in the United States, according to the CDC. Symptoms of the virus include fever, cough, sore throat, runny nose, headache, and fatigue.
If you contracted the flu, it could put your weekly plan at risk.
“It put a damper on my week. It sucked. The symptoms were bad, horrible stomach bug the whole nine yards,” said Syracuse University sophomore Robert Williams.
Washing your hands, covering your nose and mouth when you sneeze, and avoiding touching your eyes and mouth were the best hygiene practices to keep yourself from contracting the flu virus. The best defense against the flu was to receive the flu vaccine.
Syracuse University offers students the chance to receive the flu vaccine at the Barnes Center at The Arch.
“I went to Barnes around November because flu season was starting. It was quick and easy and I never ended up getting the flu that season,” said Syracuse student CJ Pasbjerg.
While getting the flu vaccine did not make you immune to the virus, it was the best way to stay safe. Appointments for the vaccine were available for the rest of November. Patients could book appointments through the patient portal.
Syracuse University is not the only place to get the vaccine. Walmart, CVS, and Kinney Drugs offer free flu shots during flu season.
If you began to feel any of the symptoms listed above, reach out to your doctor to get tested for the flu. Preventing the spread of the virus kept everyone going and happy.
AUDIO TRANSCRIPT: Flu season
Payton Mitchell: According to the CDC, influenza is the 12th leading cause of death in the United States. Symptoms of the virus include fever, cough, sore throat, runny nose, headache, and fatigue. SU sophomore Robert Williams says getting the flu put a damper on his plans.
Robert Williams: “It put a damper on my week. It sucked. The symptoms were bad, horrible stomach bug the whole nine yards.”
Payton Mitchell: Proper hand washing and receiving the flu vaccine is the best way to prevent the spread of the virus. Syracuse student Marty Robertson says getting the vaccine makes him feel safe.
Marty Robertson: “I just try to get my flu shot at least once a year. I really hate being sick so being safe is a real big priority for me.”
Payton Mitchell: Syracuse University offers flu shots to students at the Barnes Center. SU sophomore CJ Pasbjerg says getting a flu shot at Barnes was quick and easy last year.
CJ Pasbjerg: “Uh yeah, I went to Barnes around November because flu season was starting. It was quick and easy and I never ended up getting the flu that season.”
Payton Mitchell: You can also receive free flu shots at Kinney Drugs, Walmart, and CVS. Payton Mitchell, NCC News.