Cowell Provides Preventative Healthcare

Students avoid seasonal illness using campus clinicsTaneish FigueroaTHE SANTA CLARAOctober 3, 2013 The flu spreads across college campuses nationwide every year and Santa Clara certainly isn’t an exception. Close living quarters, shared restrooms and frequent social activities are all factors that make students susceptible to catching the flu, especially during the winter season when immune systems can already be compromised. Cowell Student Health Center is preparing for the flu season early this year by hosting immunization clinics in Benson Memorial Center throughout the month of October. The first clinic took place this past Tuesday, with vaccinations administered to all 232 people who attended. The flu vaccine is the best protection against the flu season. Sophomore Leyla Collazzo was one of those who attended the immunization clinic in Benson on Tuesday. “It’s an easy and inexpensive way to stay healthy and prevent myself and others from getting sick and missing class,” she said. Collazzo was able to avoid the flu last year because she got vaccinated.It is important for students to get vaccinated annually because flu viruses are constantly mutating, and vaccines are designed to protect humans against the strain that is most likely to be present in the upcoming season. Early immunization is the most effective, but it is not too late to get the vaccine this month, or in the near future. In addition to receiving immunizations, students are encouraged to frequently wash their hands and take other precautions against the spread of illness.For those who missed the first clinic and still want to get vaccinated, there will be another clinic offered on Oct. 21 in Benson Parlor B and C from 9:30 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. Shots are  $25 each.Contact Taneisha Figueroa at tfigueroa@scu.edu.