Collegiate Times

Cold weather season is here, and Virginia Tech is preparing for the coughs and pains that come along with it.

Beginning Monday, Tech will offer flu shots to students and insured faculty and their families.

Those who do not have insurance can pay a fee for the flu shots. The clinics will run until Nov. 12.

A general immunization clinic will be available from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Oct. 18 and between noon and 6 p.m. on Dec. 1, with participants able to receive shots for a $25 fee without setting up an appointment.

Recipients under the age of 18 should have the informed consent form filled out by a parent or guardian.

Last year, more than 2,000 people received a flu shot from Tech-provided clinics.

“We prepared for this year by using the numbers from last year,” said Shelby Davis, the registered nurse supervisor for Intravene, the company providing the flu shots. “Ideally everyone should come and receive the shot.”

So far, Shiffert Health Clinic has not seen many students with cases of the flu.

“There are different ways of testing and tracking for either the flu or flu like symptoms,” said Colleen Farmer, a coordinator for Shiffert. “According to trends there will be less cases of the flu than last year, but everyone should get vaccinated.”

Shiffert partners with Intravene because of the high number of appointments. Another flu shot clinic will be offered on Wednesday, Dec. 1 for those unable to get their flu shots Monday.

Fever, headache, muscle aches, chills and nausea can all be symptoms of the flu.

“Sometimes the flu can start as a cold but turn into something more serious,” Davis said.

Washing your hands frequently and keeping a distance from those who might be ill are ways to prevent the spread of the flu.

Any student feeling ill can make an appointment to visit Shiffert online or by phone.

A version of this article appeared in the Oct 14 issue of the Collegiate Times.