It’s tiring to hear the old “get your flu shot” message from the media, your doctors and your nurse every winter. As Kent State students finish the first week of class for the spring, getting a flu shot is one of the last things students want to think about. However, we think it’s important for students to think about their health throughout the semester and to pay attention to people who might be sick around them.

This flu season is expected to be more severe than that of previous years. According to the Ohio Department of Health, 1,922 hospitalizations have been reported this flu season, compared to the 175 last seasons.

We encourage students and faculty to go out and get the shot as a safety precaution this winter.

The current vaccine offered at health clinics and drugstores protects against H3N2, H1N1 and influenza B. The shot costs $10 for children and $20 for adults. Without the vaccination, you risk getting a serious illness this winter, which could hurt your academics and your wallet in the long run.

Flu and cold symptoms are very similar, but the following are some of the more distinct characteristics of the flu: high temperature lasting three to four days (100 – 102 F), headache, fatigue, muscle aches, periods of chills and sweats, chest discomfort and extreme exhaustion. (Note: If you’re exhausted from class, this is a different, less severe feeling).

The following are some locations on or close to the Kent State campus that are offering flu vaccinations:

Locations for Shots:

– Kent State’s University Health Services plans to offer flu vaccinations this season

– Nursing Clinic in Ravenna plans to offer flu vaccinations every Wednesday in January from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m.

– Contact Kent’s CVS/pharmacy or Walgreens to check whether either store has the vaccine in stock.

Check out the CDC FluView to check the levels of cases across the U.S.: CDC FluView