Photo Credits: ATU Health and Wellness Center
Pictured: Nurse Practitioner Kyle Wewers
The month of October is when flu season is officially recognized due to the colder weather and seasonal patterns. While contracting the flu is possible during all times of the year, the chances to contract flu are highest from October to May.
The influenza virus spreads easiest in cold weather conditions. The fall and winter seasonal patterns allow this virus to easily circulate during the cold months.
Flu can be anything from a slight cough to long hospitalizations. The Center for Disease Control, more frequently referred to as the CDC, estimated about 27,000 to 130,000 deaths from strains of influenza during Oct. 1, 2024, to May 17, 2025. Hospitalizations are expected to be over one million.
According to the CDC, “people who have the flu often feel some or all of these signs and symptoms: fever or feeling feverish/chills, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, muscle or body aches, headaches, fatigue (tiredness), and some people may have vomiting and diarrhea, though this is more common in children than adults. Not everyone with flu has symptoms.”
The ATU Health and Wellness Center had its first flu clinic on Oct. 15 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. in Tucker Coliseum.
ATU Health and Wellness Center Nurse Practitioner Kyle Wewers stated “We expect to see between 200-300 people at our flu clinics. We encourage everyone from the ATU community (faculty, staff, and students) to participate. It is free to them.”
The ATU Health and Wellness Center will be having another flu vaccine clinic on Thursday, Oct. 30 from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. in Tucker Coliseum. Students, faculty, and staff will also be able to schedule an appointment with the Health and Wellness Center to get their flu shot starting Nov. 1.
More information on ATU Health and Wellness resources can be found at: Health & Wellness Center.
