We may be in for a particularly nasty flu season this winter. The Barnes Center at The Arch is anticipating a rise in flu cases this year, and according to a recent article by Lena Sun for the Washington Post, a record number of people nationally have already been hospitalized for the flu at this point in the season. So what can you do to try and stay healthy this winter? And what should you do if you do catch the flu? The Peel caught up with Dr. Karen Nardella, the Barnes Center’s medical director, to get some students’ flu season questions answered!

Q: What are the best ways students can build up their immune systems to prevent illness this cold and flu season?

A: The best way to build up the immune system to prevent flu this season is to get a flu shot before the flu arrives in your area. Flu season is likely to start early this year, as it did in 2021, so you should get a flu shot now if you have not done so. It is also important to make sure you get enough sleep, eat a healthy diet and exercise.

Q: How helpful is the flu shot in preventing flu-related illness?

A: Vaccination is the best protection against illness. Recent studies show that flu vaccination reduces the risk of flu illness between 40-60%. It can also reduce the risk of hospitalization by 40% and decreases risks of serious complications in those with underlying illness.

Q: If a student were to contract the flu, what do you recommend they do to recover?

A: Students should rest, drink plenty of fluids and take fever-reducing medication if they have mild symptoms. If they have underlying medical conditions such as asthma or severe symptoms, they should contact the Barnes Center.

Q: How can a student try to differentiate between an illness that needs medical treatment and an illness that will go away on its own?

A: Most people with the flu have mild symptoms and do not need medical care or antiviral medication (Tamiflu). If you have an underlying medical condition such as asthma, or have severe symptoms such as shortness of breath, chest pain, dizziness, severe muscle pain, severe weakness, or a fever or cough that improves and then worsens, you should call the Barnes Center or your medical provider.

If you have yet to receive your flu shot and would like to get one on campus, the Barnes Center is offering on-campus flu clinics to students. Multiple clinics are scheduled for the next few weeks leading up to Thanksgiving Break. You can visit the Patient Portal instructional webpage for information on scheduling an appointment, attending appointments, insurance, billing and more. Stay safe and stay healthy!