The Best Shot You’ll Take This Spring Break

March 2, 2020
Chrissy Lieberman and David Salafsky

We normally don’t endorse taking shots. 

Most of the time, we try our best to dissuade students from taking them.

You might even say we are anti-shot. 

And we certainly don’t recommend taking shots in preparation for spring break. 

But we are going to make an exception here.

Parents: please remind your student that it’s not too late to get their flu shot.

The weather in Tucson is warming, and spring is in the air, as it likely is in many spring break destinations. 

But don’t let that fool you. 

Often, here in Southern Arizona, we see increases in flu activity during the late winter and early spring months when it no longer feels like cold and flu season.

Here’s one more reason.  When the university is on recess, that often means travel.  And travel, we know, can often lead to coming down with something – all the more reason to do what we can to be protected.

No, the flu shot won’t protect you from Coronavirus (COVID-19), but a healthy immune system is part of a good overall defense.  Currently, we know that the risk for coronavirus in the U.S. is very low.  But the very same strategies that help protect against flu also serve us well for whatever we may encounter. 

These include:

  • Get your flu shot.  Duh! 
  • Wash your hands often with soap and water for 20 seconds or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
  • Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
  • Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
  • Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your sleeve (not your hands) when coughing or sneezing.
  • Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.

So go ahead – encourage your son or daughter to take a shot in advance of spring break this year.

Just make sure it’s a flu shot.

Flu shots and other vaccines are available at Campus Health’s Travel and Immunization Clinic.  Students can simply stop by during regular hours or can all ahead at (520)621-9202.