If you have logged on to a campus computer within the last week, you may have noticed our campus has been making great preparations for the flu this year.

“Although Wisconsin’s levels of the flu have peaked, the concern for a college campus is that students traveling elsewhere over break may be bringing influenza from a different region,” said Jen Sorenson, the Director of Student Health Services.

Because of this, Sorenson said we might see spikes of the flu on campus. However, certain preparations can be made to prevent the virus from spreading so easily.

Some of these tasks are a community effort, like washing hands thoroughly, keeping work areas sanitized and making sure populated areas are clean at all times.

Starting with an effort from our campus, Residential Living, Custodial Staff, Health Services and other departments met a week before school to discuss how they would help keep our campus clean.

As a result, the custodial staff has stepped up their cleaning efforts, particularly with frequently touched areas like doorknobs, tables and keyboards in the computer labs.

However, Sorenson said the best way to prevent the flu is to get the shot. Even if you are typically a healthy person, she recommended the flu shot as the best prevention.

Sorenson argued that, although the college population here in Stevens Point is fairly healthy, there is still an outbreak every year. Some are more prone than others due to underlying illnesses like asthma, but anyone can get the flu.

Although flu season is nearing an end, Sorenson recommended getting the shot if you haven’t yet. Although I didn’t intend on getting a shot after the interview, it was the perfect opportunity.

After some convincing, I found it was not terrifying at all. In the end, it felt good to know that I was now covered.

Since flu season starts in December, it is best to be proactive and get the shot in October.  However, it is not too late. All it takes is one visit to Health Services on the second floor of Delzell Hall. Their hours are Monday-Friday 7:45 a.m. – 4: 30p.m. You can also call them at 715-346-4646.