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A registered nurse prepares to inject a flu vaccine at a flu shot clinic hosted by a grocery store in Seattle. Local officials say washing hands, coughing into tissues and getting adequate rest also help prevent the flu.

Yearly flu to be avoided with vaccines, tips

Ivan Dubois DUB03001@BYUI.EDU Scroll Staff

Achy muscles, runny noses and high fever—flu season is just around the corner.

Health officials from BYU-Idaho and around the state are preparing for flu season and have ample vaccinations, despite the major shortage last year.  They are also encouraging students to take precautions to prevent getting the flu.

“We have ordered 6,000 doses, which is an average of what we have given out in the past,” Geri Rackow, District 7 Health Department public information officer said.  “We have adequate vaccination for our clientele.”

The BYU-I Student Health Center has also ordered sufficient amounts of vaccinations for the student body.  Vaccinations should be available sometime next month, said Shawn Andreasen, Health Center harmacist.

District 7 Health Department offers three prevention tips to help prevent the flu even before shots are given.

“First and foremost, practice good hand washing.  Second, cover coughs with a tissue and then throw the tissue away.  Third, stay home from school or work if you are sick,” said Rackow.

Medical health officials are not the only ones who offer prevention advice.  Natural Health practitioners also offer suggestions to prevent sicknesses.                                                              

“Changing eating habits and eating more vegetables gives the body natural building blocks to keep the immune system healthy,” said Mary Jensen, an employee of Natures Nook health store in Rexburg. “Eat and drink only those things that will strengthen the body and avoid French fries and soda.”

Jensen also recommends students take a daily vitamin that contains all of the essential nutrients.

Those considered to be at high risk — children and adults with chronic health conditions, breast-feeding and pregnant women, and women planning to become pregnant during the flu season — are given priority in receiving flu shots.

Two clinics will be held Oct. 21 and Oct. 28 in Rexburg by appointment only. Appointments can be made by calling 356-3239.