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About Oregon daily emerald. (Eugene, Or.) 1920-2012 | View Entire Issue (Oct. 19, 1998)
Health News Flu vaccine covers only specific strains It is possible to get the flu even if immunized because of virus mutations By Sarah Skidmore Oregon Daily Emerald It's the time of year to battle the flu and its companions. But getting a flu vaccination will protect you only from certain influenza virus es, not the wide gamut of other up per respiratory diseases and mutat ed influenza viruses. “We are seeing a lot of students who come in saying, ‘I don’t under stand. I got tire flu shot but I am still sick,’” said Dr. Gerald Fleischli, di rector of the Student Health Center. There are dozens of viruses that many people commonly refer to as tire flu that are not, said Dr. Charles Lindquist ofthe health center. “Most people generalize,” he said. “When you get sick you say, ‘I must have the flu,’ but the truth is the flu is only caused by the in fluenza virus.” There is a distinct difference in the symptoms of colds vs. the flu. A cold is commonly characterized by a sore throat, cough, runny nose and possibly a mild fever. The flu begins like a cold but progresses. Symptoms include a high fever (101-103 degrees), watery eyes, headaches, low energy and body aches. “It is a matter of sick vs. sick,” Lindquist said. “A cold can be waited out but the influenza virus is serious. Besides taking one to two weeks to recover, it can have complications. “There is a certain mortality rate with the flu,” Lindquist said. People with chronic illnesses such as asthma or diabetes and old er people are at a higher risk of death, he said. There are also chances of complications such as pneumonia. The flu shot does not always pro tect you from the flu either. “It is a very smart virus,” Lindquist said. The vaccine is only effective for certain strains of the virus and is predetermined and distributed be fore die onset of the season. Al M Sore throat ■ Cough ■ Runny nose ■ Possible mild fever Symptoms of the flu ■ High fever ■ Watery eyes ■ Headaches ■ Low energy ■ Body aches though the best efforts are taken to determine which strain of the flu will be common, the influenza virus can mutate. This is why it is possible to get the shot and still catch the flu or have the flu one year and not be immune the next, Lindquist said. Despite the possibility of other illnesses, Fleischli recommends a flu vaccine for protection against what is estimated to be the most common strain of the flu virus for the year. Are you a Eugene Water G Elei Do you use an electric heatin If you answered yes to the questions above, you may qualify for free weatherization services that will help your home hold the heat and save you money. Whether you own or rent your house, apartment or mobile home you can get comfortable now. Keep The Heat weathe^ Income Eligibility Guidelines Call EWEB's Energy Management Services: 484-1125 # in Household 1 2 3 4 mm~—— 5 6 7 8 Annual Income $16,680 $19,080 $21,420 $23,820 $25,740 $27,660 $31,063 $34,563 EWEB * Some portions of your income may be deductible, enabling you to qualify. This program is sponsored by Eugene Water & Electric Board, Bonneville Power Admin istration and the Housing Authority and Community Services Agency of Lane County. Comfort at its best! At Footwise, we carry Bhrkenstock, Simple, Teva, Ontario from Birkenstock FOOTWISE ,8'3E42B6°,aod7way THE BIRKENSTOCK STORE Moil-Sat 10-6, Still 11-5 1265 Willamette, Eugene 344-3555 Offer good on Deluxe 12-month flip calendar only. Offer is limited to one coupon per customer. Coupon must be presented at time of purchase and is not valid with other offers or discounts. Offer valid at time of purchase only and may not be discounted or credited toward past or future purchases. Offer valid at participating Kinko's locations only. Offer expires 12/31/98. ©1998 Kinko's, Inc. All rights reserved. Kinko's is a registered trademark of Kinko's Ventures, Inc. and is used by permission. Kinko's requires written permission from the copyright holder in order to reproduce any copyrighted materials. AAC585 I Open 24 Hours • Ask about free pickup and delivery I exp 12/31/98 $5 OFF COLOR CALENDAR 1 Bring th’s coupon to the Kinko's listed " below and receive $5 off a Deluxe 12-month Flip Calendar. kinko's UO Families Win!! And so does everyone who does business with U-lane-0 Credit Union! is* ■ 2%off your current car loan rate* Benefits • FREE Checking and Include: interest Checking ■ No Surcharge ATMs ■ Free Internet Banking ■ Worldwide account acces, via ATMs, Visa athe Internet ■ Full Family Membership! Call 687-2347 or 1-800-365-111 or visit us at www.ulaneocu.org *( urrent 11 lane U debt not elnjit'l- Minimum rate *■: U-Lane-O Credit Union Serving the University Community MAi’r.primi itiii injuired since 1956! , iJCjiVKt OR FAR ^ ALWAYS KEEP TABS AT’S UP ON CAMPUS Oregon Daily 'l "1 www.uoregon.edu/~ode