In addition to the stress of moving back in and beginning classes, students returning to the close quarters of their dormitories after winter break might have extra worries about their health, as Boston Mayor Thomas Menino declared last Wednesday that the recent flu outbreak warrants a public health emergency for the city.

Since the flu season began Oct. 1, 18 Massachusetts residents have been killed by the deadly outbreak, according to the Massachusetts Department of Public Health.

Public health and government officials have warned people to take extra precautions, starting with getting vaccinated as soon as possible.

"I hate needles, and I got one," Massachusetts Governor Deval Patrick said at a press conference last Wednesday.

So far, nationwide, the flu season has been more dangerous than in recent years. The problem is especially notable on college campuses, where the risk of infection is high.

"If you have the flu, please, while the flu is active do not go to class, to meetings, to your campus job, or anywhere that will put you in contact with others," wrote Dean of Student Life Rick Sawyer in a "Flu Update" email to the student body.

Sawyer also urged students to get vaccinated, though he said that doses are limited, both in general and at Brandeis in particular.

"We are trying to obtain additional doses," he said.  "The Health Center is not going to conduct clinics as they did first semester, so if you need to be vaccinated, you should go there.  
The Health Center is also adding information to their website, which should include information about number of doses left on campus, and where else locally you get vaccinated."

The Health Center held flu shot clinics last semester, giving out 500 vaccines to students, staff, and faculty, according to Diana Denning, the nurse manager of the health center.
Many other members of the University community have gotten vaccinated independently, she said.

"On campus ... it is close living so viruses can spread quickly if people are not careful," wrote Denning in an email to the Justice. She also emphasized that students should "prioritize the vaccine" and maintain standards of hygiene, such as hand-washing and sanitization.

"Minimizing the impact of the flu on our campus is a community effort," wrote Sawyer. "If we all follow the plan to minimize impact, we will succeed."