This year’s flu strain has been making headlines, and even has labeled it “fierce” and “brutal.”
That is why the University of Virginia is urging unvaccinated students to visit its . Students can also get vaccinated at the or the CVS on the Corner.
Dr. Chris Holstege leads 鶹ƽ Department of Student Health and Wellness. (Photo by Erin Edgerton, University Communications)
“Students just returned, and we know, based on historic data, that when they first return, they’re coming from all over the country (and world), and with that, bringing other viruses, too,” said Dr. Chris Holstege, senior associate vice president of 鶹ƽ Student Health and Wellness.
“Last week, we had a trickle of cases that were coming in, that were in the single digits,” Holstege said. “… A couple of weeks after they come (back) after winter break, we really see the numbers really escalate.”
Holstege said there’s always a question about how well the flu vaccine matches up with the variant of flu circulating, but “we know that the vaccines are a benefit regardless. And certainly people who are more at risk, those who are immunocompromised, absolutely should get the flu vaccine.”
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says flu symptoms usually come on suddenly and can cause mild to severe illness, sometimes leading to death. Symptoms include fever, cough, sore throat, aches, fatigue and gastrointestinal issues.
Holstege said if a student thinks they have the flu, they should not go to class, gather in groups or share cups. They should rest, stay hydrated – maybe even drink electrolyte replacement fluids – and wait until they are fever-free for 24 hours before returning to classes. You can track the incidence of the disease by looking at .
