Prepare to fight the flu
Vaccine is available through CMU Health for students, faculty and staff
It's time to take care: The flu is here.
"We have had several positive flu cases, both the A and B strains," said Jodi Shoebottom, clinical coordinator of health services at CMU Health.
Shoebottom said CMU has a limited supply of flu vaccine, while many flu shot providers have run out already — unusual for this time of year.
"It is promising that more people are getting vaccinated and that they are doing it earlier to help decrease the number of flu cases," she said.
CMU offers flu shots for students by appointment or walk in from 8-11:30 a.m. and 1-4:30 p.m. Mondays-Fridays at Student Health Services, Foust Hall 200. Faculty and staff can receive flu shots at Foust or from 8-11:30 a.m. and 1-4:30 p.m. Mondays-Thursdays and 8-11:30 a.m. Fridays at the Primary and Specialty Services Clinic, 2600 Three Leaves Drive in Mount Pleasant.
Shoebottom said most insurances pay for the flu vaccine.
"We bill insurance for the vaccine, however we suggest you check with your insurance carrier to verify," she said. The clinics also accept cash payment of $35.
If you have questions about billing, call CMU Health at 989-774-6599.
Beyond receiving the flu shot, handwashing with soap and water is the best defense, Shoebottom said.
Flu questions and answers
Influenza is a respiratory illness characterized by fever; headache; chills; body aches; and sometimes coughing, sore throat, sneezing and weakness. Symptoms tend to come on quickly. Flu viruses typically circulate in the United States annually, most commonly from late fall through early spring.
The flu can cause serious illness, hospitalization and death — particularly among older adults, very young children, pregnant women and those with certain chronic medical conditions. Here's more information from health services and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: