Editorial: Students should take initiative to prevent flu

Fall is in full swing and that means flu season is right around the corner. There is no better day to get your flu shot than today.

Every year, UConn encourages the student body to get immunized against the flu. It seems that many students listen because the infirmary usually runs out of shots. But students shouldn't be distressed if they cannot receive a flu shot on campus because they can make an appointment with a local doctor off-campus and get the shot at a different location. Every CVS offers flu shots, and one is conveniently located five minutes away, down Route 195.

While this isn't the most convenient method, it is a good idea. The university is working hard to ensure that students are safe this year. In fact, UConn officials should be commended for their communication with the student body concerning flu information and the flu shot. Students should listen to what the university is saying and protect themselves. Flu shots aren't plentiful in any location, so make an appointment early. Prevention is worth the possible inconvenience, especially when university officials are doing everything they can to protect the students. Students should do their part as well.

According to "UConn Today," the university will offer supplies such as hand sanitizer, tissues, fever-reducing medications, thermometers and surgical masks to students in addition to providing flu shots. The university has an informational Web site about the flu and its symptoms, and officials have even devised plans about what to do if a pandemic were to occur. This is not just a one-sided deal, though. Students have to take precautions and protect themselves. University e-mails about prevention and preparedness won't help if students contract the flu.

The H1N1 vaccine for the swine flu will also be introduced to Connecticut residents sometime next month. There have been over 1,900 cases of swine flu in Connecticut already and anticipatory steps are being taken to curb the number of cases and prevent the spread of the strain.

As with any new shot, the swine flu vaccine will be given to priority patients such as young children, pregnant women and health care professionals, but soon thereafter the greater public will have access to the vaccine.

If students contract either type of flu virus, the university recommends that the student travel home to recover, if possible, to prevent further spreading of the flu. Students need to follow the university's advice by taking preventative measures and taking care of themselves if they do contract the flu virus.

Things like washing hands, using hand sanitizer and staying home from class when sick are effortless measures that students can take to do their part in flu prevention. Ultimately, getting the flu shot can be the best prevention and seeking the shot off-campus may be the best option.