Why it’s important for Sun Devils to get their 2020 flu shots

As the nation enters the ninth month of Novel Coronavirus outbreaks across the United States, we are faced with the 2020 flu season. Though the illnesses shouldn’t be conflated, their effects on community health can be interrelated, which is why many Sun Devils are opting to get their flu shots as early as possible this year.

Influenza, also known as the flu, is a contagious respiratory illness that infects the nose, throat and lungs. A spike in flu cases occurs every year around the fall and winter months. Typically universities and health officials promote flu shots, covered sneezing and coughing, and hand hygiene to prevent the spread of Influenza. However, this year the guidelines have changed as the flu season arrives amid COVID-19. 

Sophomore Antonio Gutierrez shows off his 2020 flu shot.

Influenza and COVID-19 have nearly every symptom in common: fever, cough, fatigue, sore throat, congestion, muscle or body aches and headaches. This makes it difficult to distinguish between the two. Therefore, health officials recommend both a flu shot and testing for COVID-19 if you experience the symptoms above. 

“We know you can get COVID and the flu at the same time,” said Dr. Stefanie Schroeder, medical director and chief of medical staff at Arizona State University Health Services. “Therefore we definitely want to distinguish between the two as well.” 

A flu vaccine cannot prevent COVID-19, but it can “prevent an illness which could otherwise be mistaken for COVID-19.” Testing and exposure history are the only ways to distinguish between the two this flu season. 

ASU Health Services offers flu shots to students, which are typically covered by health insurance annually. Many Sun Devils have made it a priority to get their immunizations for their own health and the health of the community. 

Sydney Wilcox is a sophomore studying computer science at ASU. A flu shot was a no brainer for her. After taking a step back and remembering how life used to be, she remembered the risks the flu can bring on. 

“I think with the fear of COVID-19 taking over our lives it’s hard to remember to protect ourselves from other illnesses like the flu, which are prevalent during this season,” said Wilcox. “We still need to get flu shots to prevent the spread of the flu just like we would any other year while still trying to prevent the spread of COVID-19.” 

With an increase in flu-like illnesses this season, more students will likely need to be tested for COVID-19. And the staff and students in the Biodesign Laboratory, which was made to address global challenges in healthcare, are working around the clock to continue providing free testing for students, faculty and staff as well as contact tracing. 

“We test 20 to 30 symptomatic people a day across all clinics, and the ASU Biodesign Laboratory screens between 500 to 800 students a day,” Schroeder said.

ASU has implemented a comprehensive COVID-19 management strategy that includes physical distancing, mandatory face coverings, remote learning, a no-visitors policy within the residence halls and keeping gatherings small while following public health guidelines. While the influenza vaccination is not mandatory, it is highly encouraged by ASU health officials. 

“As we go into the flu season, we ordered extra flu vaccinations because we want to make sure students don’t have confounding symptoms,” said Schroeder. “I can’t stress enough the importance of getting a flu vaccine this season. Getting sick with one disease is bad enough, but getting sick with two diseases is even worse.” 

ASU has a student population of 74,500 students, excluding ASU Online. Some are wrapping up their fall semester remotely, but others have returned to on- and off-campus housing and in-person classes for the 2020–21 school year. 

Sophomore Antonio Gutierrez is studying mechanical engineering at ASU. A flu shot has been a yearly ritual that his family has honored his entire life. He said this vaccine is not just for him but for his family and friends. 

“I chose to go back on campus because I wanted to still have somewhat of a college experience during these COVID times,” said Gutierrez. “During quarantine, I did a good job of maintaining what I was supposed to do to help ASU. However, with the opportunity to still be on campus I realized it was something I wanted to take advantage of while still following all the guidelines in place.”

Students understand what is at stake, and they are doing everything they can to ensure that their time at ASU does not get cut short. The flu shot is a simple and quick preventive measure that all students can take to prevent contracting both diseases at once.

Flu shots are available by appointment at the ASU health centers across all campuses. Simply log into your patient portal to reserve a time to do your part in protecting the ASU community. Additionally, student flu vaccination clinics, which do not require an appointment, will be held throughout the month of November at ASU’s West, Downtown Phoenix, Tempe and Polytechnic locations. View the student flu vaccination clinics schedule on the ASU Health Services Announcement page.