Catching a cold or flu can negatively impact a student’s academic and social life, and with the flu season fast approaching, MSU students now have an extra opportunity to take the proper precautions to stay healthy.
In an effort to help students ward off illnesses, MSU is administering about 20,000 free cold and flu comfort packs on campus at the intramural buildings, residence halls and Olin Health Center, said Kathi Braunlich, marketing and communications manager for MSU Student Health Services.
The packs include facial tissues, tea, thermometers, cough drops and sanitizing wipes. The packs also provide information about the difference among having a cold, the flu or meningitis, and what the next steps are if students catch an illness, according to a press release.
The project is funded by the Residence Hall Association, Student Health Services and Recreational Sports and Fitness Services, Braunlich said. She said the packs especially are important for younger students who do not have experience handling illnesses on their own.
“Especially in a close environment like the residence halls, the risk is higher for (getting the) cold and flu,” Braunlich said.
Students also can receive a flu shot from Olin Health Center by appointment or at a residence hall during set times — 1-4:30 p.m. today in Hubbard Hall, 1-4:30 p.m. Nov. 7 in Brody Complex Neighborhood, 4-7:30 p.m. on Nov. 13 in Holden Hall and 1-4:30 p.m. Nov. 14 in McDonel Hall, according to the MSU Student Health Service’s website.
A shot costs $27 at the clinic and $58 if billed to the patient or an insurance company that will cover the cost. The shot is free for students with MSU’s Aetna Student Health insurance plan.
Braunlich said it is beneficial to receive a flu shot before the flu season, which spans from December or January to early spring, so the body can build up immunity before the illness hits.
“People think of flu as not a big deal, (but) you can be out of school for three days to five days and really feel lousy, and (the) flu shot can prevent it,” Braunlich said.
Rick McNeil, director of Recreational Sports and Fitness Services, said the sickness prevention efforts are an opportunity to help promote student well-being.
McNeil said the physical fitness programs and services available in the intramural buildings help students stay healthy on a regular basis.
“Students who participate in our programs are healthier than those who don’t,” McNeil said. “(Fitness has) academic and health benefits. (There’s a) direct correlation.”
Braunlich said students can prevent catching a cold or flu by washing hands or using hand sanitizer, staying away from others who are sick or showing symptoms of being ill and avoiding touching one’s eyes and face.
Journalism sophomore Itinease McMiller said she received a cold and flu comfort pack in her Holden Hall mailbox.
“We are always around so many people, so it’s easier to get sick,” McMiller said.
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