Crimson leaves falling like rain from trees and mornings shrouded in the mist of the Mississippi River means the arrival of fall—but trailing sinisterly behind the apple pies and thick sweaters is the dreaded cold and flu season. Getting sick can feel inevitable, especially in the close quarters of life on campus. However, with the proper measures of prevention and heightened attention to taking care of one’s health, students can avoid getting sick this fall and winter.
Flu shot clinics are a valuable opportunity for students on campus to be vaccinated against the flu and/or COVID-19. Students simply show up at the clinic with a copy of their medical insurance card and can receive vaccinations on the spot.
The vaccines are administered by current Winona State University nursing students as a part of one of their clinical projects. Fourth-year nursing student Reva Syverson is one of the people involved with these pop-up clinics.
“Some students are off doing foot care for some people and others are at community centers; others are following public health nurses around. For us, we’re doing the health services clinic on campus.” Syverson said.
The Winona State campus registered nurse Grace Rasmussen helps organize the clinics but said the nursing students do much of the work as well.
“So, I get all the supplies and everything ready here; we provide the vaccines, and then the students kind of pick it up from there.” Rasmussen said.
Rasmussen believes that the flu shot clinics are reaching more students with each year, especially with some new strategies.
“Spreading them out a little bit more seems like we can get more students…if they can’t do it one week, then hopefully they can do it the next,” Rasmussen said. “School on its own can be stressful, and then if [students] are sick and they are going to miss a class, then they’re stressed,” Rasmussen said.
Now more than ever is it important for college students not only to get vaccinated, but to take care of their health in general—being sick in college is not easy.
“Having to miss class if you’re sick is always a bummer. Or if you’re not skipping class, potentially getting other people sick is not ideal.” Syverson said.
Getting vaccinated is a great way to avoid the flu, but there are other important measures students can take to stay healthy this fall and winter. Rasmussen emphasizes the importance of getting enough rest, drinking enough water, and taking vitamins.
“The biggest thing is if you’re sick, stay home. Don’t spread it to other people.” Syverson said.
The Ask-A-Nurse message line is always open for students to ask about health concerns, and students can contact Rasmussen or other nurses through it by messaging 507-457-2292. With this invaluable tool, students can set up appointments or simply ask for advice in managing illnesses themselves. The next flu shot clinic will be on October 10 from 10:30 am to 12 pm in the Kryzsko Commons Student Activities Center and from 1:30 to 2:30 pm in Haake Hall.
