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SCENE
| October 7, 2003| Send features
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The
S Files
The S Files, or Scene Files, is
a weekly look at advice and how-tos for the campus. Think you’re
an expert on something? Call scene editor Erica Bryant at 817-272-3661
or e-mail features-editor.shorthorn@uta.edu.
Flu vaccine available for $12 on
campus
Influenza, commonly known as the flu, is an infectious disease of
the lungs that can lead to pneumonia.
According to the National Immunization Program, about 114,000 people
in the United States are hospitalized and about 36,000 die because
of the flu annually.
The program reports the best time to get a flu vaccine is this month
or next month.
Flu vaccines are $12 and will be available at Student Health Services
Oct. 20. Hours are from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday
and from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday.
Flu symptoms include fatigue, body aches, fever, cough, an occasional
sore throat and runny nose. According to the Centers for Disease
Control’s Web site, www.cdc.gov, these can be symptoms of
many diseases and make it difficult to tell if one has the flu.
It also states the flu vaccine is the best protection against the
virus and its complications. Those suffering from asthma, lung disease
or other respiratory conditions should consult a physician.
The immunization program aims to dispel myths about the flu. The
vaccine protects most people from the virus. A person who receives
the vaccine can still get the flu but will be far less sick than
someone who gets the virus and has not gotten the vaccine.
The worst side effect with the injected vaccine is a sore arm, and
the risk of allergic reaction is far less than the risk of severe
complications from flu.
The vaccine, though, does not protect from other viruses that sometimes
feel like the flu. And those allergic to eggs might not be able
to get the vaccine because that product is used in making the vaccine.
According to www.cdc.gov, the best protection against the flu is:
• Receiving an annual flu shot
• Frequently washing hands
• Avoiding touching your nose, eyes and mouth.
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October dedicated to AIDS awareness
As of 2001, Texas ranked fourth of 10 leading states reporting the
highest number of cumulative AIDS cases, according to http://aids.about.com.
The disease develops from the Human Immunodeficiency Virus, or HIV,
and is transmitted through the exchange of body fluids such as blood,
semen and vaginal secretions.
October is AIDS Awareness Month. Testing is available at Student
Health Services. For information, e-mail healthservices@uta.edu
or call 817-272-2771.
According to the Texas Department of Health, one cannot get HIV
through:
• Breathing
• Sitting near someone with the disease
• Shaking hands or hugging an infected person
• Sharing food or drinks
• Swimming in a pool
• Getting bit by insects
• Giving blood
• Using a bathroom
Until you know you are not infected, the department recommends practicing
safe sex and not donating blood, plasma, body organs or sperm.
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