Jackson College has partnered with Henry Ford Jackson Hospital to offer Jackson College students and employees medical care evaluation and treatment from the clinic’s caring staff. A licensed nurse practitioner and technical staff will be in the office to see patients, make diagnosis and assessment, prescribe medications or make referrals. |
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HEALTH CLINIC HOURS
Monday: 8 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Tuesday: 8 a.m. - 4p.m.
Wednesday: 8a.m. - 4 p.m.
Thursday: 8 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Friday: 8 a.m. - 12 p.m. (virtual care only)
Call 517.990.1374 to make an appointment. |
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Influenza (flu) is a highly contagious respiratory illness caused by a virus. There are many different strains of influenza and it can cause mild to severe illness and in some cases even death (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 2019). Flu season typically runs from October to May with peaks hitting between December to February. Although we are heading into March it is still important to note that Michigan is experiencing an extremely high level of flu. Recent reports indicate that the 2024-2025 flu season is on pace to be the worst flu season we have experienced in the last 15 years (Garcia, A., 2025). |
Unlike the common cold, the flu symptoms usually appear suddenly and include the following: |
| • | | Fever |
| • | | Chills |
| • | | Cough |
| • | | Sore throat |
| • | | Runny nose |
| • | | Body aches |
| • | | Headache |
| • | | Fatigue |
| • | | Mild nausea, vomiting and diarrhea (this is not as common and affects children more) (CDC, 2019). |
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There are certain factors that increase your risk of developing the flu or its complications, and they include the following: |
| • | | Age: Children younger than 2 and adults 65 and older |
| • | | Living situation: Those living in dorms, nursing homes, military barracks and those working in daycare centers |
| • | | Immune system: Those with weakened immune systems like cancer or HIV patients |
| • | | Pregnant women |
| • | | Chronic illness: Those with diabetes and heart disease (Kee, 2025). |
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Handwashing is the cornerstone of prevention; wash your hands regularly with soap and water. Also, avoid those who are sick if possible. Get your flu vaccine (flu vaccines are still available at the Jackson College Health Clinic for $30).
It is important to note that even if you do not fall into one of the high-risk categories listed above, you should still get immunized. By getting immunized you will prevent the spread of the flu to the high-risk groups who have a hard time fighting off the infection. |
In most cases people will recover from the flu with no difficulty or complications. Here are some tips for what to do if you get the flu: |
| • | | Get plenty of rest |
| • | | Avoid contact with other people |
| • | | Drink plenty of fluids (like water and soup) |
| • | | Avoid class and work until fever-free for 24 hours without the use of fever-reducing medications, in an effort to avoid spreading illness |
| • | | Wash your hands often |
| • | | Do not share food, utensils, cups or bottles (CDC, 2019) |
| • | | If you are high risk for severe illness, get treated with antiviral medication such as Tamiflu. This does require a prescription and is most effective if taken within 48 hours of onset (Kee, 2025). |
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The average person will require a couple of days of staying home, resting and drinking fluids to get past the flu. However, if you experience severe symptoms such as difficulty breathing, chest pain or high fevers that don’t go away, please seek medical treatment. Early treatment may help reduce the severity of the flu.
It’s not too late to stop the spread of the flu. Get vaccinated, if you haven’t done so already! Stay healthy, stay informed and stay safe. |
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