<body><div><figure><img src="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?type=thumbnail_580x000&amp;url=39v4Lz_0vlipeF200" alt="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=39v4Lz_0vlipeF200" width="281" height="500" ><figcaption>University Health Services is offering free flu shots Wednesday from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. File Photo</figcaption></figure>Autumn in Oklahoma is starting strong with a temperature drop and some scattered showers. As temperatures plunge, flu season gears up. The flu, or influenza, is a respiratory virus that affects millions yearly, according to the Center for Disease Control.OSU UHS is hosting a flu vaccine clinic from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Wednesday in the Student Union Ballroom. Students attending can find more information on the UHS website, including a printable consent form, which will be available at the event.The flu is highly contagious, and cases can range from mild to severe, sometimes leading to death. The CDC advises combating the flu with the flu vaccine.“An annual season flu vaccine is the best way to help reduce the risk of getting the flu and any of the potentially serious complications,” Associate Director of Clinical Operations for University Health Services Alyssa Turner said. “Vaccinations have been shown to have many benefits including reducing the risk of flu illnesses, hospitalizations and even the risk of flu-related death.”UHS hosts an annual flu vaccination clinic to help students gain better access to the vaccine. The clinic allows convenient access to the vaccine and is free for students. Benefit-eligible faculty and staff can also receive the vaccine.Turner said the clinic is open to all students, regardless of their medical status or circumstances. “It helps our students and the community,” Turner said. “It’s free, it’s easy, and it gives every student the opportunity to receive the vaccine, even if they don’t have health insurance.”The clinic is a preventative measure and helps educate students on prioritizing their health during flu season. “Flu vaccination can reduce flu illnesses, doctor’s visits and missed work and school due to the flu and prevented flu-related hospitalizations and deaths,” Turner said. “University Health Services wants to ensure the well-being of the university community and preventative education in support of students’ academic success."The first flu vaccines were developed in the early 1900s, approved for public use in 1945 and continue to adapt as the virus does, according to the Mayo Clinic. “Flu vaccines cause antibodies to develop in the body about two weeks after vaccination,” Turner said. “These antibodies provide protection against the flu illness.” A flu vaccine is one way to guard against the flu, but there are other ways to stay diligent and healthy.“The best way to reduce the risk of seasonal flu is to get the vaccine," UHS employee Tierra Eller said. “Actions such as washing your hands, covering your cough and avoiding others who are sick can help stop the spread of germs.”Washing hands is easy, but Eller recommends students prioritize treating their bodies right.“Students should also get plenty of sleep, drink lots of fluids and try to work in some physical activity,” Eller said. If students can’t attend the event, appointments can be scheduled through the patient portal on the UHS website.</div></body>

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UHS to host free flu vaccination clinic

Autumn in Oklahoma is starting strong with a temperature drop and some scattered showers. As temperatures plunge, flu season gears up. The flu, or influenza, is a respiratory virus that affects millions yearly, according to the Center for Disease Control. OSU UHS is hosting a flu vaccine clinic from 8...