INFORMATION FOR

It’s flu season. On a college campus, where constant close interaction with so many people is unavoidable, it’s important to practice good health habits to avoid the flu.

“We are seeing a lot of the flu right now from people returning from the holidays,” said Student Health Center Executive Director Bill Purdy. “If you’re not doing so already, you should begin taking precautions immediately to avoid getting sick.”

Here are some flu prevention tips from the Center of Disease Control:

1. Get vaccinated. The flu shot and the nasal-spray flu vaccine are still available through Student Health.
2. Practice good health habits. Get plenty of sleep. Be physically active. Manage your stress. Drink lots of fluids. Eat healthy foods.
3. Avoid close contact. Stay away from people who are sick. If you’re sick, keep your distance from others to protect them from getting sick, too.
4. Wash your hands often. This will help protect you and others from germs.
5. Cover your mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing. It may prevent those around you from getting sick. The CDC recommends sneezing into your sleeve at the elbow or shoulder, rather than into your hands where the germs can easily spread to other items you touch.
6. Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs often spread when a person touches something contaminated with germs then touches his/her eyes, nose or mouth.

“If you are feeling ill, call the Student Health Center for treatment,” said Purdy. “And if you’re tenting for basketball, we recommend you return to your dorm. A cold tent in close quarters with others is no place for someone with the flu.”

Flu symptoms include:

• Fever (usually high)
• Headache
• Tiredness (can be extreme)
• Cough
• Sore throat
• Runny or stuffy nose
• Body aches
• Diarrhea and vomiting (more common among children)

For more information, call at 919-681-WELL (9355) or visit the Student Health Center.