Kelsey Braun ’22, Editor in Chief
As cold and flu season comes to full swing, a reminder of the seriousness of the virus is important. According to microbiology professor, Fernando Ontiveros, “The flu can be serious. In a normal year, the flu usually induces 30-50,000 that’s just in the US.”
According to the CDC, flu season typically occurs during the fall and winter. Each year, scientists make a new flu shot for people to get. “There’s a couple of different flu shots out there,” said Ontiveros. “The reason that we make new ones every year is because of the strands that are circulating in the community change over time.”
Furthermore, over time small mutations occur in the flu virus over the years, slow enough so that our immune systems don’t recognize it. Usually, the flu vaccine contains a protein found in the virus. “Our immune systems see that protein, makes antibodies against it, and that way when we get the real virus the virus is neutralized by the antibodies in our bodies,” said Ontiveros.
The two most common methods to get vaccinated against the flu are a flu shot in the upper arm or a nasal spray in the nose.
“I do have the flu shot,” said junior biology major, Hunter Newton. “I have the flu shot because I’m around too many vulnerable people who are immune deficient.”
“I got the flu shot because I don’t enjoy getting sick and I don’t want to spread the flu to anyone,” said Sidney Lesser, a junior biology major.
Some common Flu virus symptoms:
- Fever
- Muscle Aches
- Chills
- Cough
- Congestion
- Headaches
- Runny nose
- Fatigue
- Delirium or bad dreams
- Uncomfortable resting
Off-Campus Flu Shot Resources
Pittsford Plaza Wegmans
3195 Monroe Avenue
Rochester, New York 14618
(585) 318-1305
Monday – Friday
8:30 a.m. – 9 p.m.
Saturday / Sunday
8:30 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Wegmans East Rochester
815 Fairport Rd
East Rochester, New York 14445
(585) 586-8340
Monday – Sunday
6 a.m. – 12 a.m.
CVS Pittsford
2100 Monroe Ave
Rochester, New York 14618
Monday – Sunday
Open 24 hours
(585) 461-3995
CVS Pharmacy Fairport
1304 Fairport Rd
Fairport, New York 14450
(585) 377-8909
Monday – Sunday
8 a.m. – 10 p.m.
Walgreens Pharmacy Penfield
1659 Penfield Rd
Rochester, New York 14625
(585) 419-0560
Monday – Sunday
8 a.m. – 10 p.m.
Walgreens Pharmacy Fairport
6707 Pittsford Palmyra Rd
Fairport, New York 14450
(585) 360- 1814
Monday – Sunday
8 a.m. – 10 p.m.