The yearly distribution of free flu vaccine has ended on October 5th and in result, 350 plus students has received their shot. On this month of October, the coldness is coming near and this means that flu season is now in session.

Angela Brown, director of Student Health Services, explained the importance of receiving the flu shot and the ways to prevent catching or spreading the flu virus.

“So the flu shot is important because it prevents usually prevents the person from getting the flu; that is the goal of it. Um, once you get a flu vaccine, you can potentially still contract the flu virus, so one of the advantages of getting the flu shot has is that if you get the virus, it means that you’re sick for a shorter amount of days and usually less sick than someone who have never been vaccinated.” Brown said.

They are plenty of simple ways to stay clean and safe. Being active, eating healthy, staying positive and importantly washing your hands,  is the major way to prevent catching or spreading the virus.

“Make sure you wash your hands. Any mucus membrane, so your nose, your eyes, your mouth can be a portal for a virus to get in so if you are walking around campus, then go eat lunch and don’t wash your hands, you can the flu virus that way.”

Mary Walker Health Center are now trying to establish mobile flu shots and it might appear in many residence halls.

For more information, you can contact 315.312.4100 or email  whealth@oswego.edu or visit their website https://www.oswego.edu/walker-health-center/

New York State passed a law banning plastic bags on March 1st of this year. However, the state will not begin implementing fines on retailers until at least April 1st. Most stores are switching to paper bags, but these tend to come at a charge because they are more expensive than the previously used single-use plastic bags. 

Bosco’s manager. Theresa Himes, says the local grocery store has also began selling reusable bags to customers  “We discontinued the plastic ones. We’re using paper bags for some people that don’t have the reusable or don’t want to purchase them.”  

Customers are encouraged to bring their own bags when shopping, to not only reduce waste but money, as well. If anyone is in need of any reusable bags, they can stop by City Hall to pick some up for free.