The best way to prevent yourself from getting the flu is with a flu shot. This significantly decreases the likelihood of getting the flu this year and help you rule out influenza if you get flu-like symptoms that could be coronavirus.
Learn about upcoming flu clinic here.
If you think you might have the flu call Student Health Services. We can help you figure out what steps to take to protect your health and the health of others around you.
Taking Care of Yourself When You Are Sick
We bet you know all these like the palm of your hand but here are some important reminders about taking care of yourself and others when you're feeling under the weather.
Stay home to avoid spreading germs to others
Your body needs rest to recover from illness and it can take longer to recover when you don't rest. If you get flu-like symptoms, stay home after you get sick to lower the chances of spreading your illness to others. If you have a fever, stay home for at least 24 hours after your fever is gone without using any fever-reducing medications to make sure you won't spread the virus to anyone.
Avoid close contact with people who are sick
Just like with social distancing for coronavirus, you should keep your physical distance from people who are sick with the flu. The flu virus can travel at least three feet through droplets from coughs or sneezes so staying at least three feet from people who are sick with the flu can reduce your chance of getting sick.
Cover your coughs and sneezes
Here's some advice you've probably heard your whole life: cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze or cough into your elbow (not your hand) to prevent the spread of the virus through the air and on your hands. Don't forget to throw away the used tissue and then wash your hands when your done.
Wash your hands
Wash your hands thoroughly (for at least 20 seconds) and often with soap and water. If soap and water are not available, use hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol. This lowers the amount of flu virus that can spread when you touch surfaces, objects, and people. It is especially important to wash your hands before and after touching your eyes, nose, or mouth.
Clean frequently touched surfaces and objects
Clean surfaces and objects that you touch often, like doorknobs, desks, computer keyboards, and phones because the flu virus can remain on surfaces for up to 48 hours. Unlike coronavirus, you just need soap and water to remove the flu virus but you can always use a bleach and water solution or disinfectant that says "EPA approved" for cleaning bacteria and viruses.