With the end of the flu season approaching it can not be cleared that this season was worse than last years. According to Southeast's health clinic's licensed practical nurse Kelly Birk, no records are kept for each flu season.

At Southeast Missouri State University, the campus clinic purchases 300 vaccines each October to last until the end of April, according to Birk. Birk believes that the worst time for flu season is around spring break, although last year's severity was later on in the season. A typical flu season is from October to April, Birk said.

Birk also believes that there are no steps one can make ahead of time to fight the flu season, but she does encourage everyone to keep their hands washed and keep hand sanitizer to avoid the severity of the flu.

"Kids go to school, to holidays and see people." Birk said, "Students are vulnerable to illnesses because they are kept in closed confined areas and don't wash their hands."

If a student is feeling sick, and have flu like symptoms such as high fever, severe aches, weakness, headache, dry cough, and a sore throat they should go to the campus clinic to get diagnosed. If the flu goes untreated it can ultimately end in death. When a student of staff member come in for flu symptoms they keep rapid test to confirm first that it is not mono or strep throat. If they are diagnosed with severe symptoms they encourage the patient to go the emergency room for fluids.

There are several different types of the flu virus. If one is diagnosed with the flu, many times they are prescriber over-the-counter decongestants and antihistamines.

"I get a runny nose and a sore throat I automatically think I have the flu every winter" local resident Jack Clark said. "Then I get some Nyquil and try to sleep it off. I never really know if it's actually the flu or not, I only assume."

According to Birk, people confuse a cold with the flu very often.

All active employees and students are able to go to campus clinic for minor illnesses. The clinic is open Monday - Friday 8p.m - 4:30p.m. Offices can be reached at 725 N. Pacific Crisp Hall, Room 101 or by phone at 573-651-2270.

Services include assessment and treatment of acute and chronic illnesses, assessment and treatment of injuries, physical exams and consultations, reproductive health issues, mental health and medical specialist referrals. Billing is sent to one's health insurance provider. If a student does not have health insurance the bill is posted to their student account.