A specter looms over Westconn; the specter of flu season. Despite laudable progress in mitigating the toll of the pandemic on the campus community, the coming cold season portends new dangers to our collective recovery plans, and we must be vigilant to prevent any backsliding that could endanger in-person classes. Experts from the CDC have advised all Americans to get vaccinated against the flu before the end of October in order to prevent a catastrophic flu season from threatening our recovery and further overextending our healthcare system.
Even as public focus remains on COVID-19, seasonal colds and the flu remain a serious threat to many members of the campus community, particularly with so many still recovering from the effects of COVID. With Danbury Hospital so close to Midtown Campus, a bad flu season that overtaxes our hospitals could easily lead to the re-imposition of emergency measures that require the cancellation of in-person classes. Conversely, a small campus outbreak could easily ripple out into a local epidemic that overwhelms our still-weakened healthcare infrastructure. Although many of us are familiar with seasonal colds and flu, these illnesses can still kill or seriously sicken vulnerable members of our community and weaken our recovery.
Flu vaccines are safe and effective at mitigating the worst effects of influenza, and offer our best chance at keeping Westconn healthy and in-person. The CDC recommends everyone six months and older receive a flu vaccine before the end of October. In terms of efficacy, the CDC has no recommendation about different brands or types of flu vaccine, although some individuals with allergies to certain ingredients such as eggs, or above a certain age should consult their doctor about different options. Nasal flu vaccines, which do not require injections but contain live virus, are available for some healthy individuals.
Now is the time to take action to protect yourself and your community by getting the flu shot, continuing to practice preventative behaviors such as hand washing, and staying home if you feel sick, regardless of whether your symptoms are from COVID, Influenza, or just the common cold. If you have been procrastinating on getting your flu shot, consider this your official reminder. Campus health services and other local organizations are offering a number of opportunities to get your shot free beginning this week.
More information about seasonal flu is available from the Centers for Disease Control website. Information on finding a flu vaccination site near you is available at vaccines.gov