A mutated version of the flu is making its way through Central Michigan University.

Penalope Cook, physician and associate director of University Health Services, said this year’s flu strain is more resistant to vaccination based on the flu from the previous year. She said Health Services has seen several cases of students who already have been vaccinated getting the flu.

“The flu is going to spread like crazy in the next couple of weeks,” Cook said.

CMU’s Health Services has been diagnosing 10 to 15 flu cases each day, she said.

“We just really got a big boom all of a sudden,” Cook said.

Loretta Moran, assistant director of patient services at Health Services, said the first case of the flu came in to Health Services on Jan. 22.

“Prevention is the best medicine, really,” Moran said.

Moran said getting a flu shot is the best way to prevent getting the flu.

Students washing their hands and getting enough rest is important along with covering their mouths with a sleeve or cloth when coughing to prevent the spread of germs.

It is important to see a doctor within 48 hours of getting the flu, Cook said. But often she does not see patients until three or four days afterward, and by then it is too late to treat effectively.

Not only are individuals protecting themselves by getting a flu shot, she said, but they are protecting others.

Moran said many people spread the flu before they even know they have it.

Some students are doing extra to keep themselves healthy.

Clare freshman Kassie Ricolo said her roommate got a flu shot and it was definitely worth it.

Ricolo’s roommate also convinced her to use Airborne, vitamins in a caplet that can be mixed in with water. It is supposed to boost the immune system, she said.

Lapeer senior Corrinne Clark said she does whatever she can to ward off sickness, including using Airborne.

Cook said high fever, bad cough and body aches are the main symptoms that separate a common cold from the flu.

“Body aches are the kicker,” Moran said.

People who are in close proximity to others, such as those living with roommates or working in groups, are more likely to catch the flu from others, Moran said.

Cook recommends students stay away from big crowds and maybe even bars.

If students come down with the flu, they should drink lots of liquids and avoid going to class, officials said.

Moran said if the flu remains untreated, the immune systems gets run down and an individual could catch pneumonia or even be hospitalized.

Health Services will give flu shots on a walk-in basis to students, their spouses, faculty and staff, their spouses and their dependents of at least 14 years of age from 8 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday in Foust 200. The cost is $25.

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