The influenza (Flu) virus is spreading on Saint Anselm College’s campus. Cases on campus continue to rise. Why the Flu shot was not as effective this year.

The Flu and COVID are very similar in how they are transmitted as well as the symptomology. Because of this, it is impossible to know if someone is infected without a test. Both are spread through droplets containing the virus when a person coughs, talks, or sneezes. Just as a person is a “close contact” for COVID, meaning they were within six feet of an infected person for fifteen or more minutes, the same rule applies to the Flu.

Common symptoms of the Flu are fever (temperature greater than 100.4 F), chills, cough, sore throat, runny nose, muscle or body aches, headache, and difficulty breathing. This is not an exhaustive list and symptoms can vary between individuals. Some people may be asymptomatic, while others may require hospitalization. For students with Flu-like symptoms, “the most important thing to do is to self-isolate and wear a mask, until 24 hours fever-free” Maura Marshall, Director of Health Services, said in an email.

Masks, social distancing, and handwashing are the most effective ways to stop the transmission of the virus. During the first year of the pandemic, Flu activity was “unusually low” despite high levels of testing according to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC). This is in part due to mask-wearing, social distancing, and handwashing, but it is also due to a record number of Influenza vaccines having been administered in 2020. 

While fewer cases is a good thing, limited data on common variants made it difficult for health experts to make the vaccine. Twice a year, the World Health Organization (WHO) meets to review the data on the Flu to make a recommendation on the composition of the vaccine. According to the CDC, “preliminary estimates indicate that vaccination did not reduce the risk of mild or moderate illness from Flu A viruses, which circulated most commonly during the 2021-22 flu season.” Despite this, it is still important to get the flu vaccine every year to protect yourself as well as others.

Students are strongly encouraged to not attend classes and keep a 6-foot distance from their classmates if they have a fever greater than 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit and one or more symptoms, according to the Saint Anselm Influenza Protocol.