According to the Center for Disease Control, the flu activity in Minnesota was elevated for the twelfth week in a row as of March 4 and has likely peaked.

University of St. Thomas was no exception to this outbreak. Madonna McDermott, director of Health Services, explained that St. Thomas has seen a significant amount of cases of Influenza. It is not uncommon that the flu hit the campus hard, considering how small it is.

“St. Thomas can be looked at as sort of a small county, the flu can spread very fast here. Everyone is living, working, and going to class in such close proximity,” McDermott said.

McDermott went on to talk about how the flu can be prevented in college age students. Her number one piece of advice was for students to get the flu shot. Even now, in March, it can still be effective in preventing the flu.

“We give it all year round. Students should know it’s never too late,” she said.

She also said a good amount of sleep is key to preventing the flu.

“At least eight hours of sleep per night strengthens the immune system,” McDermott explained.

With the flu being widespread, it can be hard for St. Thomas students to make it to class, but managing absences can be difficult with differing department policies.

According to Academic Counseling Director Susan Anderson, there is no school wide policy on absences.

“A lot of students come to us seeking some kind of ‘principal’s note’ but there is no such thing, even with the flu.”

It is ultimately up to the individual professor’s discretion on how they handle lost productivity, which does not give academic counseling any room to intervene.

Students around campus have been affected by this outbreak.

First-year Emily Larsen noticed that a lot of people were sick on campus, especially in her dorm, Dowling.

“So many people have been either diagnosed with the flu or have not gone to the doctor but had flu symptoms,” she said.

When asked if she had gotten her flu shot, she laughed.

“No, I haven’t. That’s kind of embarrassing.”

Abby Sliva can be reached at sliv7912@stthomas.edu