Hit me with your Best Shot, Flu Season is Here.

October 10, 2018, inSIDER

by MORGAN STOLPA, CSU Public Relations Intern

Tis’ the Season. The Flu Season.

Know What You’re Looking For

“Flu symptoms come on rapidly and include: fever, chills, muscle soreness/body aches, sore throat, dry cough (little to no phlegm), fatigue and headache,” Lori Marti, Student Health Services Health Educator, said.

Regardless of your opinion on getting the flu shot Minnesota State University, Mankato, offers options for everyone. If you’re not interested in getting the influenza vaccine there are several ways you can fight common illnesses:

  • Get adequate sleep – sleep helps your body’s natural ability to fight infection and speeds up recovery.
  • Sneeze and cough into your sleeve, not your hands.
  • If you use a tissue when you cough or sneeze, wash your hands with soap and water or use hand sanitizer.
  • Wash your hands before eating, after using the restroom, and after touching common surfaces such as keyboards, desks, doors, etc.
  • Don’t share cups, glasses, straws, or water bottles.
  • Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
  • Stay at home when you are sick to avoid getting others sick,” said Marti.

If you’re interested in getting the influenza shot, Minnesota State Mankato’s Student Health Services Medical Center offers flu shots.

“Most insurances cover the cost of the vaccination. The cash option is $40 for those without insurance,” Marti said. The Student Health Services Medical Center is located in the lower level of Carkoski Commons and is open Monday-Friday from 8:00 a.m. –  4:30 p.m.

The Time is Now

“The best time to get an influenza shot is at least two weeks before typical influenza activity begins. Influenza season begins in October, peaks from December to February and can last through May,” Todd Kanzenbach, MD, Student Health Services, Team Physician, said.

With the ever-changing flu, it’s important to stay up-to-date with your vaccinations.

“Each year different strains of influenza are included in the vaccination so people need a flu shot every year,” Marti said.

Don’t Wait, Set up your Appointment Today

Setting up an appointment is as simple as calling the Student Health Services Medical Center at 507-389-6276, visiting the online patient portal at http://www.mnsu.edu/shs/clinic/ or visiting the Medical Center in the lower level of Carkoski Commons.

Save Time, Plan Ahead

To save time, print off and fill out the patient registration form in black ink. Additionally, if students have insurance, medical or pharmacy, they should bring their current card, or a picture of the front and back of the card and provide it at the time of their appointment. Students are not required to have insurance to be seen at Student Health Services.

If you’re interested in learning more about flu shots, fighting common illnesses or health in general contact Lori Marti at lori.marti@mnsu.edu or stop in Student Health Services located in the lower level of Carkoski Commons.

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