Overview
Flu is a contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses that infect the nose, throat, and sometimes the lungs. It can cause mild to severe illness, and at times can lead to death. The best way to prevent flu is by getting a flu vaccine each year.
Signs and Symptoms
Influenza (flu) can cause mild to severe illness, and at times can lead to death. Flu symptoms usually come on suddenly. People who have flu often feel some or all of these symptoms:
- Sudden onset
- fever* or feeling feverish/chills
- cough
- sore throat
- runny or stuffy nose
- muscle or body aches
- headaches
- fatigue (tiredness)
- some people may have vomiting and diarrhea, though this is more common in children than adults.
*It is important to note that not everyone with flu will have a fever.
Transmission
Most experts believe that flu viruses spread mainly by tiny droplets made when people with flu cough, sneeze or talk. These droplets can land in the mouths or noses of people who are nearby. Less often, a person might get flu by touching a surface or object that has flu virus on it and then touching their own mouth, nose or possibly their eyes.
Preventive Measures
The first and most important step in preventing flu is to get a flu vaccine each year. Flu vaccine has been shown to reduce flu related illnesses and the risk of serious flu complications that can result in hospitalization or even death. To help slow the spread of germs that cause respiratory illnesses like flu, the CDC recommends everyday preventive actions such as avoiding those who are sick, covering coughs and sneezes, and frequent handwashing,
Vaccination
The CDC recommends everyone get a flu vaccine every season with rare exceptions. Flu vaccination is the most important step you can take to protect yourself against the flu virus. Vaccination can reduce flu illnesses, visits to doctor’s offices, and missed work and school due to flu, as well as make symptoms less severe and reduce flu-related hospitalizations and deaths.
The flu vaccine is required for all Loyola Students each year and is due by December 1st.
Student Health Services is partnering with Giant Pharmacy to host several vaccine clinics on campus. This is a quick and convenient way for the community to protect themselves from the flu. Updated bivalent Covid boosters will also be available at these clinics. Most insurance is accepted, please bring your insurance card with you.
All clinics will be held from 10am-2pm in McGuire Hall, Student Center, 2nd floor
- Monday, October 3rd
- Tuesday, October 4th
- Monday, October 17th
- Tuesday, October 18th
- Wednesday, October 26th
- Thursday, October 27th
- Wednesday, November 2nd
- Tuesday, November 8th
- Wednesday, November 16th
Vaccination Waiver Requests
Medical or religious exemptions will be granted on a limited basis. A medical exemption must include a note from a board-certified physician or other healthcare provider discussing supporting evidence for the reason for the request. The full waiver is available on the Patient Portal and we ask that you read it fully before signing and submitting. The waiver should be uploaded to the Patient Portal. If you have any questions regarding this requirement or the waiver itself, you can contact our office at 410-617-5055 during business hours (M-F 8:30am-5pm).
More Information
For more information about Influenza or influenza vaccines, please see the CDC Website.