It's that time of year.
The incessant sounds of coughs and sniffles announce its arrival like a herald's trumpet.
Flu season is here again.
This year's flu season looks considerably less dangerous than last year, with some officials unconcerned about another outbreak.
"The World Health Organization has declared the pandemic over and, as far as I know, there have not been any recent cases anywhere near here," said Shannon Cason, doctor at the AU Medical Clinic. "We're expecting this year's season to be more of a seasonal flu than H1N1."
Even state health departments do not seem particularly worried about anther problem.
"I wouldn't say [swine flu] is not going to be a problem, but it's not going to be a big problem," said Seratia Johnson, a nurse who works for the ADPH. "We expect it to circulate this year like last year, but it's been incorporated into the vaccine."
It is important to remember swine flu is just an alteration in the virus code, not a plague, Johnson said.
"It's just like any strand of flu," Johnson said. "It starts out as something novel and eventually it becomes part of the annual strain you see."
Last year's flu season made headlines around the world with the outbreak of H1N1, and estimates of flu-related deaths in the United States last year ranged from about 8,300 to 17,000, according to the Centers for Disease Control.
The Alabama Department of Public Health confirmed 52 flu-related deaths in the state last year.
Even the number of flu shots available inspires optimism for the flu season.
Compared to previous years, in which the supply of flu shots never met the demand, doctors in Auburn's medical clinics sound positive about their inventories.
"The CDC said we have plenty this year for everybody and that there wouldn't be any shortages," said Helen Dudas, office manager at Auburn Urgent Care.
Flu shots on campus will cost $25.
Still, no doctor at the AU Medical Clinic wants anyone to take chances.
"By far the most effective method [of prevention] is still the vaccine," Cason said.
Cason urges all students to attend one of the flu clinics to be set up around campus in the coming weeks, starting with inoculations at the Medical Clinic from 8-11 a.m. Oct. 8 and 13.
With the campus population so centralized and growing, preventative steps are a must to avoid the fast spread of disease.
"When school started back, I started having lots of colds and sore throats, so you can tell there's closer contact and greater spread," Dudas said.
Besides getting the vaccine, students should take precautions to avoid getting sick.
"Washing your hands is very important," Cason said. "Flu is transmitted primarily by hand contact. I'd also advise people to stay away from public water fountains. That's a pretty good place for people to be leaving viruses."
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