Flu season is upon us, and on college campuses, the virus can spread like wildfire due to communal bathrooms, shared living spaces and overall level of exposure, according to the National Library of Medicine.
Across the United States, 35 million people tested positive for the flu during the 2023-24 flu season, according to the CDC.
Many people underestimate the flu, likening it to a head cold. However, the flu is no joke. Last year’s flu season sent nearly 40,000 people to the hospital in the U.S. according to the American Medical Association. This virus is especially concerning for those with respiratory conditions and suppressed immune systems.
COVID-19 has also seen an uptick since the back-to-school season with a new subvariant of the Omicron variant being found, known as XEC.
If you are looking to receive the COVID-19 or flu vaccine, here are the closest and most convenient places to do so.
UT Student Health Center
Located at 1800 Volunteer Blvd., the UT Student Health Center offers COVID-19 and flu vaccines which can be scheduled online. They do not accept walk-ins. Flu shots are free of charge, and low-cost COVID-19 vaccines are available for uninsured individuals. It is open Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and Wednesday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Walgreens Pharmacy
The closest Walgreens Pharmacy to campus is 1725 Cumberland Ave. Walk-ins are accepted, or you can schedule an appointment on their website to avoid a potential wait time. At this location, the pharmacy is only open on weekdays from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. with a lunch break from 1:30-2 p.m. The location on 4001 Chapman Highway is also open from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. every day of the week.
CVS Pharmacy
The closest CVS Pharmacy to campus is at 2201 Cumberland Ave. COVID-19 or flu vaccine appointments are available on their website, and walk-ins are accepted. The pharmacy is open weekdays from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. with a lunch break from 1:30-2 p.m. On the weekends, they are open Saturday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. with the same lunch break.
American Family Care
Down the road at 6108 Kingston Pike, the Knoxville location of AFC offers COVID-19 and flu vaccines on both an appointment and walk-in basis. This location is open seven days a week from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
After the flu or COVID-19 vaccine, it is common to feel fatigued or sore for a day or two. A cold compress or over-the-counter medicine can help reduce these symptoms, but if these symptoms do not improve after two days, contact a healthcare provider.
Vaccines are not a guarantee of immunity, but those who are vaccinated and contract the virus often experience less severe symptoms, according to the CDC.
To prevent getting a virus, it is also helpful to practice good hygiene. Wash your hands when you get back from class and make sure to clean your phone and backpack regularly. It is also important to take care of yourself. Getting enough sleep, eating nutritious food and drinking lots of water can boost your immune health.
Whether you choose to get vaccinated or not, it is important to be mindful of yourself and those around you. If you believe you are sick, especially if you are running a fever, it’s better to stay home rather than put your classmates, professors and friends at risk.
