By Sue Danielson

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that so far this flu season there have been at least 9.7 million flu illnesses, 87,000 hospitalizations, and 4,800 deaths as a result of flu. Flu activity is high in the U.S. and is expected to continue for many weeks.

While there are many different flu viruses, flu vaccines protect against the three or four viruses that research suggests will be most common. A yearly vaccine can help prevent flu not only in yourself, but in the other people that you may interact with at home, work, or school. Flu vaccination can reduce flu illnesses, doctors’ visits, and missed work and school due to flu, as well as prevent flu-related hospitalizations.

It is not too late to be vaccinated. Viterbo health services continues to have flu vaccine available for students and employees. Cost is $7 for students and $17 for employees. Contact Sue Danielson at 796-3806 or scdanielson@viterbo.edu for more information or to schedule an appointment.