Winter's coming to Central New York...and so is the flu. If you're someone who seems to wind up getting it every year no matter what measures you take, you might as well pick up a paycheck for your troubles. Amirite?

Research is ongoing at the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, headquartered in Maryland. Scientists there (at other locations) are giving people the flu on purpose--in the name of discovery. The goal is to reach a better understanding of how influenza works and how to fight it. If you participate in the study, you’ll get paid up to $3,300. You'll even get some time off of work, although you might need to clear the whole idea with your employer.

If you ARE good to go, here's what you get along with the $3,300:

  • A nasal spray containing a strain of the flu
  • A weeklong in-patient stay
  • Lots of fluids and Kleenex

The scientists need 80 healthy adults between 18 and 50 years old. Locations of the study include Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, Baltimore's University of Maryland, Duke University in North Carolina, and Saint Louis University. Here's more info.

By the way, if you know you definitely DON'T want the flu, your best bet is keeping your hands clean and away from your eyes, nose and mouth--and also getting a flu shot. Also...you might want to steer clear of this study.

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