Players can kick the ball in any direction

Police Beat

10/14- Student harrassed by ex

A female student called to report several unwanted contacts from her ex-boyfriend. Her ex started to make contact on 10/13 around 11:16 p.m. and continued to around 5:00 p.m. the next day when the police were called. The ex-boyfriend, who is not a student at EWU, contacted the female several ways, including leaving an 18 minute voicemail, several calls from a no caller ID phone number and through Facebook Messenger. The male was referred to prosecutors on harassment charges. 10/18- Smell of Marijuana in dorm

Around 7:27 p.m. in Pearce Hall, a CA called to report the smell of marijuana coming from a room on the eigth floor. When the officer arrived, he noticed the smell of burnt marijuana coming from the room, and made contact with the residents. The residents gave permission to search the room, and the officer found nothing. The residents said a visitor who was in the room smelled of marijuana when he arrived, and left before the officer arrived. No one in the room was cited or referred. 10/19- Suspicious car stopped

At 12:49 a.m., an officer noticed three people acting suspiciously in a vehicle near 10th Street and Cedar Street., and pulled the car over. The driver of the vehicle had a suspended license, and gave false information to the officer. The officer also found a firearm in the car, and the driver did not have a permit. The driver was given multiple citations for driving without a permit, obstruction and having a firearm without a permit, and was also referred to Student Affairs. 10/19- Alcohol found in dorm

At 4:18 p.m., a residential life coordinator at Morrison Hall called to report a minor in possession of alcohol. The coordinator was inspecting the room of a 19 year old resident who had recently moved out, and found a bottle of Hennessy. The resident was referred to Student Affairs.

Free flu vaccine offered for students Mitchell Roland for The Easterner The Rockwood clinic will provide free flu shots on campus on Oct. 30 and Nov. 13. Students can schedule an appointment to get their free flu shot from the clinic if they are unable to go when the clinic comes to campus.

Knock out the flu with a free Multicare Rockwood Clinic flu shot. On Oct. 30 and Nov. 13, Multicare will be providing free flu shots for all EWU students inside the main lobby of the PUB, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. SANDRA REYES

Contributor

What is influenza?

Influenza, also called the “flu,” is a contagious respiratory illness that is caused by influenza viruses that infect the nose, throat and lungs, according to the Washington State Department of Social and Health Services,. This illness can range anywhere from mild to severe. The first and most important way for individuals to prevent themselves from getting the flu is by receiving their flu vaccine every year, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

How does it spread?

The CDC explains that the flu spreads by droplets in the air made when people with the flu cough, sneeze or talk. These tiny droplets then land in the mouths and/or noses of others who are nearby. Individuals with the flu can spread it to others who are about six feet away from them. Other ways the flu spreads is by touching objects where droplets of the flu virus may have landed and then touching your own mouth or nose.

Symptoms of the flu

The flu is a lot different from a cold. An individual who has the flu often experiences some, if not all of the following symptoms: fever/ chills, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose. Someone who has the flu may also experience fatigue, headaches as well as muscle or body

aches. Others may have vomiting and diarrhea, however the Washington State Department of Health explains that these two symptoms are most common in children.

When is flu season?

The exact timing of the flu along with its duration can vary every year. However, flu viruses are most common during the fall and winter beginning typically in October, peaking its activity around January and lasting sometimes until the month of May.

Who should get a shot?

As flu activity picks up, individuals may receive their flu vaccine for the 2019-2020 year. According to the CDC, flu vaccinations are recommended for everyone who is 6 months or older, including pregnant women. Individuals who are 65 years or older are recommended to talk to their healthcare provider about the flu vaccine specifically designed for this age group.

College students are highly recommended to get their flu shot as they are at higher risk of getting the flu due to the environment that they are in being in close proximity with other individuals on a regular basis.

“It is important for students to get their flu shot so they are protected. Students already stress about enough things that if they start missing classes, it is just going to add more stress to them and it can make their symptoms worse if they do have the flu,” says health education coordinator, Laura Gant, from EWU Health, Wellness and Prevention Services.

Where can students get a flu shot?

where students can seek health services as part of their comprehensive health fee. Students can call and make an appointment to get their free flu shot,” says Gant.

In addition, students who seek to use their own private insurance, have the option of visiting their primary care provider or they can also go to a pharmacy.

How to prevent the flu

Get the flu vaccine and practice good health habits such as covering your mouth when you cough or your nose when you sneeze. The CDC also recommends other ways to prevent the flu, such as washing your hands frequently, getting plenty of sleep, eating a well balanced meal and keeping your area clean by wiping down door knobs, telephones, etc.

EWU junior, Eric Corona said, “Students should really take advantage of the free flu shots that will be provided in the next couple weeks. I think it is a great service for students.”

What happens if you get the flu?

Students who get the flu are asked to stay home until they are fever free without the use of medication for at least 24 hours. If you are someone who gets the flu, communicate with your faculty or with the student care team. This information can be found on the EWU's HWSP website.

The phone number for the Cheney- Multicare Rockwood Clinic is 509.235.6151

For any other questions or concerns, contact HWPS at 509.359.4279 for more information on the flu.. •