The new semester isn’t the scariest part about January.
This month falls during peak flu season, according to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
The site said receiving the flu vaccine is the “best protection” from the flu, which it defines as a “contagious respiratory illness caused by flu viruses.”
Every year about five to 20 percent of U.S. citizens contract the flu, according to the web site.
Boston University’s Student Health Services set up a flu clinic in October, offering $30 flu shots for non-Aetna insured students and free shots for those with Aetna insurance.
Students received many emails throughout the fall semester reminding them to get their flu shot at the George Sherman Union.
“Last semester, I was reminded constantly to get a flu shot with the emails and the people advocating at booths at the GSU,” said College of Arts and Sciences freshman Amanda Carlozzi. “My friends and I all went together so we wouldn’t get sick. However, my roommate who did not receive the shot did get sick. Although the two are not necessarily linked, I felt that it was better to be safe than sorry.”
Maintaining better air quality with a humidifier may also help prevent the spread of flu.
In a study published by the Public Library of Science in 2007, researchers found flu was more easily spread in cold temperatures and low humidity.
The study by Anice C. Lowen and others suggested keeping room air at a warm temperature and at an intermediate or high relative humidity might prevent the spread of flu.
According to the website of Boston University’s Environmental Health and Safety office, which assists with indoor air quality on both campuses, winter ultimately brings dry indoor conditions.
During the winter, there is generally less moisture in the outdoor air, according to their website. As the cold air is brought into a building’s ventilation system and heated, the amount of moisture in the air decreases. This results in dry indoor conditions.
“It has been reported that humidifiers may ease flu and cold symptoms,” said Industrial Hygiene Specialist Rory Queenan in an email.
It’s important to follow the manufacturer’s instruction regarding use, cleanliness and maintenance because failure to follow instructions can also lead to indoor air quality problems, Queenan said.
“Effects of air quality can differ for each individual. Everyone is different and has different threshold limits,” Queenan said.
The Student Health Services website has a section titled “Flu Information” containing three links to websites with further instructions on staying healthy and avoiding the flu.
One SHS flier warns people with the flu can contaminate others one day before they get sick and three to five days after they have symptoms.
Although Flu.gov said children, seniors and those with health conditions are at higher risk of getting the flu or any of its associated complications, the website encourages anyone six months old or older to get the vaccine.
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