By Kara Thibault, News Correspondent

It’s here again: That time of year when students are either getting sick or doing their best to avoid catching a cold. Knowing what to do to stay healthy this winter could help save time, grades and money.

For starters, if students haven’t already received a flu vaccine this season, they may want to consider it.

Dr. Peter Doyle, medical director at University Health and Counseling Services (UHCS), said students should get the flu shot – which is available at UHCS – every season.

“There is a very good stock of vaccines at Northeastern and it costs $20, which is the same or lower than other places that offer it,” Doyle said.

People who have an extensive medical history or asthma should especially consider getting the flu vaccine, he said.

Freshman business major Erika Cella said she got her flu vaccine at UHCS this year.

“I just called the health services office and told them what I needed, then set up an appointment,” Cella said. “I went in and paid with my card, and then I was out within 20 minutes. It really wasn’t a big deal at all and will hopefully save me from getting really sick in the future.”

Students who have reacted negatively to the flu shot in the past or who are allergic to eggs should refrain from getting vaccinated, Doyle said. The flu shot is made using eggs.

Already having a mild cold should not prevent students from getting vaccinated.

“If you come in with a fever, we won’t give you a shot, but if you come in with sniffles, you’re fine to get it,” Doyle said.

Some students said they are hesitant to be vaccinated this season since, until recently, it hasn’t been a bone-chilling winter. Freshman English major Becca Singh said she has been sick less often this year.

“I think it’s because the weather was warmer,” Singh said. “On the other hand, I am also a bit of a germaphobe. I have hand sanitizer on my desk that I use all the time.”

Doyle said wintertime holds a higher chance for illness regardless of temperature.

“The flu is typically seasonal for two reasons,” he said. “One being that the hot summer sun can kill and break apart viruses. The second being that we typically aren’t in close quarters during the summer time.”

In fact, UHCS has been busier this season than last, Doyle said.

“We have seen more viruses this year than in the past,” he said. “Not as many cases as the H1N1 virus [in 2009], but more than last year.”

Besides getting the flu vaccine and washing your hands frequently, Doyle had some other helpful tips for students hoping to avoid the dreaded winter cold or flu.

“Even though it seems obvious, don’t kiss sick people,” he said. “How many couples smooch every day, even if one of them is sick?”

In addition, Doyle said all-nighters are not wise.

“These are what you think are the invincible years, but sleep is very important,” he said.