Winter time is here, where temperatures become colder. Because of this, the chances of getting a cold or even worse; the flu, are higher. This year, health officials have called this influenza season the most widespread since they started tracking flu outbreaks 13 years ago with the report of hospitalizations at an all time high. Sadly, this current flu season in California has taken 127 lives under the age of 65, and six of these fatalities occurred in Monterey County since the outbreak started in early December.
Even if you have gotten the flu shot, you still need to watch out for the flu. In fact, studies have shown that only 10 percent of vaccinations amongst working adults are effective, and overall the effectiveness of the vaccine this year is only 17 percent.
Students should be mindful that the flu can manifest through various symptoms; such as the cough, sore throat, fatigue (tiredness), headaches, feeling feverish with chills (not everyone with the flu will feel feverish), muscle or body aches and stuffy or runny nose.
The best way to avoid getting the flu, other than getting the flu shot, is getting plenty of REST! If you use your phone before bed, try and put your phone away 20 minutes before bed, as the brightness of your phone can throw off your sleep.
Some more ways to prevent obtaining the flu is by getting exercise, eating healthy and hydrating! Practice good hygiene by washing your hands thoroughly or by carrying hand sanitizer. If you are around those who may have the flu, limit contact with them by staying home from work and school to avoid spreading the virus.
If you think you have the flu, there is the Campus Health Center located on campus in Building 81. They are open Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday from 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. and on Wednesdays from 8 a.m. – 7 p.m.; they are closed on the weekends. Walk-ins are accepted, but making an appointment by calling (831) 582-3965 is highly encouraged and you will get seen faster. If the Campus Health Center is closed and you still feel like you have the flu, you can go to any of the Doctors on Duty in Salinas, Monterey, Marina and Seaside. For more information on how to stay healthy, visit the Campus Health Center at https://csumb.edu/health.
Here are the locations, phone numbers, and hours the Doctors on Duty are open here in Monterey County:
1212 South Main Street
(831) 422-7777
Monday – Friday: 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Saturday & Sunday: 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
501 Lighthouse Avenue
(831) 649-0770
Monday – Friday: 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Saturday & Sunday: 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.
1513 Fremont Boulevard, Suite E-1
(831) 899-1910
Monday – Friday: 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Saturday & Sunday: Closed
3130 Del Monte Avenue
(831) 883-3330
Monday – Friday: 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Saturday & Sunday: Closed
