Hospitals, including Penn State Hershey Medical Center, are seeing a high volume of flu cases. Dr. Glenn Geeting, an emergency medicine physician at Penn State Hershey Medical Center, said while this year's flu strain is becoming more prevalent, it does not seem to be any more severe than previous years."

Influenza outbreaks associated with swine at fairs are making headlines in the Midwest and in Pennsylvania. And these flu cases present a new twist to an old problem, according to an expert in Penn State's College of Agricultural Sciences.

Flu vaccine is available at University Health Services (UHS) for all Penn State students and student spouses covered by the Penn State student health insurance plan. Students are strongly encouraged to schedule appointments ahead of time and may schedule appointments online at http://studentaffairs.psu.edu/health/myUHS up to one week in advance of each clinic date. Penn State student health insurance plans will cover the cost of the vaccine ($21) if received through UHS. Vaccine charges will be sent to the patient's Bursar account.

Children who are cancer survivors and may have weakened immune systems are especially vulnerable to influenza. For this reason, University Health Services (UHS) will hold a free flu vaccine clinic from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Feb. 3 in 205 Student Health Center on Penn State's University Park campus. While the clinic is open to all Penn State students and to student spouses covered by Penn State student health insurance plans, UHS especially encourages THON participants to get vaccinated.

Flu season has arrived at Penn State, according to University Health Services (UHS) Infection Control Nurse Manager Shelley Haffner. Haffner said all three strains of influenza have been seen this spring at UHS. "Vaccination is the smartest thing you can do to prevent the spread of flu," said Haffner. "This year's flu vaccine continues to be a good match to currently circulating flu viruses."

Students can receive their flu vaccines at UHS by scheduling online at http://studentaffairs.psu.edu/health/myUHS or by calling the appointment line at 814-863-0774 during regular business hours. The flu vaccine currently is available at no cost to students; however, there is a $15 administration fee. Penn State student health insurance plans will cover the administration fee if the vaccine is received at UHS.

Get a flu shot. A yearly flu shot is the first and most important thing you can do to prevent the flu and its consequences. The Centers for Disease Control recommends yearly vaccination for virtually all Americans age 6 months and older.

Penn State students who participate in THON each year do it "for the kids." University Health Services (UHS) is encouraging all students volunteering with THON to get vaccinated against the flu this year for the same reason. Getting vaccinated now will prevent illness from flu during THON and other spring activities. "Children who are cancer survivors and may have weakened immune systems are especially vulnerable to influenza," said Margaret Spear, UHS director. "Students who are dancing or working at THON should consider the safety of these children while deciding about their own vaccination." UHS will hold a flu vaccination clinic for University Park students on Tuesday, Nov. 9. Students can schedule appointments at http://studentaffairs.psu.edu/health/myUHS online.