The H1N1 vaccine arrived in Lexington last week with around 3,000 doses. It couldn’t have come at a more opportune time with the weather turning cold and the flu making its way around campus.
It’s safe to say that each student on this campus has a firsthand experience of someone they know having “swine flu,†as this flu strain has made its way around campus at an alarming rate.
Lexington-Fayette County Health Department is holding free clinics for distribution of the H1N1 vaccine. According to an Oct. 16 Kernel article, target groups such as pregnant women, young children and those with chronic health disorders will receive the vaccine first. Yet, UK students need to protect themselves as best as possible.
While most will not fall into those categories, students must take responsibility to protect themselves and others from this virus. The vaccine is still short in supply but attempting to get this vaccine or the seasonal flu vaccine will go a long way in staying healthy and not exposing others around you to the virus.
The signs posted around White Hall Classroom Building and other buildings around campus should be a friendly reminder to wash hands and remain germ free. Hand sanitizer should become a norm and your best friend over the next couple months.
While the initial outbreak has been quite intense, the peak of H1N1 season will not hit until late this year and the early part of next year, according to a Sept. 29 Kernel article. Until this peak happens, students need to take care of themselves.
It’s not worth it to go to class if you don’t feel well. Professors should understand if you need to miss class due to flu-like symptoms.
Lexington is set to receive more vaccines in the near future. When these vaccines arrive, be sure to take advantage. Lying in bed for a week is not the ideal way to end the semester. With finals week quickly approaching, students will need to be healthy and ready to finish the semester.
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