University of Arizona health staff treating flu cases earlier than usual
Sep 13, 2017, 5:00 PM
(AP File Photo)
(AP File Photo)
PHOENIX — Health officials at the University of Arizona said they were pushing students to get flu vaccinations early after nearly 100 cases of flu-like illness were reported in less than a month.
University officials said at least 37 of the reported cases were confirmed as flu. Flu cases don’t typically begin showing up until late October or November.
According to the university’s Campus Health Center’s Medical Director Michael Stilson, students started coming in with flu-like symptoms in mid-August.
He said many of the first students were from sororities.
Health center officials said flu reports have decreased since the big August wave. The university was recommending students and staff get the flu shots to prevent the illness.
Flu season generally lasts until March.
The Arizona Daily Star reported the vaccine was available at the center and cost $25 without insurance.
Walk-in shots were available weekdays from morning to late afternoon.
A series of clinics would be set up mainly on the campus mall for a week in October and a week in November.
The first clinic, Sept. 29, was scheduled to be held at the Student Union.
The Centers for Disease Control said the time between exposure to the virus and signs of symptoms averaged two days.
Symptoms included fever or chills, sore throat, headaches and vomiting.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
