The time of year where students begin missing classes, extracurriculars, and sports due to illnesses such as the common cold and influenza, has arrived.

According to the Center for Disease Control (CDC), the flu is a contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses. Symptoms of the flu include fever, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, body aches, and fatigue. The flu virus spreads by droplets made when people with the virus sneeze, cough, or talk. A person that touches an object or surface that has the flu virus on it and touches their eyes, mouth, or nose can get the flu.

At Baldwin Wallace University, students and faculty share all the same facilities, such as classrooms, bathrooms, dorms, etc., increasing the chances of catching the flu.

“College students living in a dorm are at a high risk of getting the flu and spreading it,” said Lisa Weber, a registered nurse at Baldwin Wallace University Health Center. “At the Health Center, we want to promote health so that you can go to class, learn, and be productive.”

Catching the flu from others on campus can not only be damaging to one’s health but also a significant setback on your day to day routine. Baldwin Wallace’s Health Center offers tips and resources to students and faculty to help combat the flu and flu-like symptoms.

To steer clear of the virus, influenza vaccinations are offered to all students and staff. Getting a flu shot on campus is affordable and easy to access for students that live out of state.

For students, the vaccination costs $20 and can be purchased using your Jacket Express card.

The flu shot vaccine does not prevent the flu but lowers the chances of getting it.

Jasmine Harding, junior public health major, said she is serious about her academics and gets her flu shot every year.

“The flu shots not only protect people from the flu but others that might be immunocompromised or people that don’t get vaccinated,” said Harding.

While flu shots are not mandatory, the Health Center encourages students and staff to get the shot as well as offering vaccinations for not only the flu but for other illnesses.

For more information, visit the Baldwin Wallace Health Center or call 440-826-2178.