The best defense against getting the flu is to receive your annual flu vaccination. It is recommended that everyone 6 months or older receives a vaccine. Protect yourself and others.
Flu Vaccine Information
Flu vaccines are available at the Health Services during regular hours. No appointment necessary. Please remember to bring your University ID card and your insurance card.
Nov. 7
Enjoy free coffee and donuts on us when you come to the clinic for you flu vaccine.
Nov. 14
Enjoy free pizza on us when you come to the clinic for you flu vaccine.
Free food available while supplies last.
Giveaway
Get your flu vaccine at the Health Services clinic and be entered to WIN a 50-minute massage certificate.
Vaccine Fees
Health Services will bill your insurance for your flu vaccine. Most insurance companies cover annual flu vaccinations, but we encourage you to contact your insurance company to confirm. If you would prefer to not bill your insurance, the cost of the flu vaccine is $35.00
If you have an HMO insurance plan, the vaccine may not be covered and will result in a cash price of $35. Check with your carrier for coverage.
Is It a Cold or the Flu?
Use the following table to check your symptoms.
Symptoms
Cold
Flu
Covid
Allergies
Fever
Rare
Yes, often high (102 - 104F); lasts 3-5 days
Common
Never
Headache
Rare
Yes, sudden and can be severe
Can be present
Uncommon
Aches/pains
Mild
Usual, often severe
Can be present
Never
Fatigue/weakness
Mild
Yes, sudden and can last 2-3 weeks
Can be present
Sometimes
Extreme exhaustion
Never
Yes
Can be present
Never
Stuffy nose
Common
Sometimes
Has been reported
Common
Sneezing
Common
Sometimes
Has been reported
Usual
Sore throat
Common
Sometimes
Common
Sometimes
Chest discomfort/cough
Mild hacking cough
Common, can be severe
Common
Sometimes
Shortness of Breath
Rare
Rare
Rare, except for those with allergic asthma
In more serious infections
Prevention, Resources and More
Cold and Flu Prevention
Here are things you can do to stay healthy and prevent the spread of colds and flu:
E – Eat healthy; sleep 7-8 hours; manage stress; engage in regular physical activity.
S – Stay home if you have flu or flu-like illness for at least 24 hours after you no longer have a fever (100 degrees Fahrenheit or 38 degrees Celsius), determined without the use of fever-reducing medication.
M – Make sure to wash your hands with warm soapy water for 20-30 seconds or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
A – Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth.
R – Routinely clean surfaces with frequent hand contact with typically-used cleaning agents.
T – Try to cover your mouth and nose when you cough or sneeze. If a tissue is not available, use your elbow or shoulder.
Ibuprofen or acetaminophen – Take to reduce fever and relieve body aches.
Antiviral Medication – Antibiotics won’t work, but antiviral medication may help for the flu only, but only when given within 48 hours of the onset of symptoms. Ask your doctor if this therapy might benefit you.
Sponge Bath – A cool, sponge bath (in water, not rubbing alcohol) may reduce fever symptoms.
Avoid Smoking and Alcohol Use – Smoking only increases the damage done to your lungs by the virus. Alcohol dehydrates the body.
Sleep – Get enough sleep to feel completely rested.
Soothe Sore Throat – Gargle warm salt water (1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon salt in 8 ounces of water). Suck on cough drops or lozenges
Decongest – Use camphor or menthol rubs to clear nasal passages.
Inhale – Breathe the steam from hot beverages, also take deep breaths when in the shower.
Things to Remember
Stay home if you have flu or flu-like illness for at least 24 hours after you no longer have a fever (100 degrees Fahrenheit or 38 degrees Celsius) or signs of a fever (have chills, feel very warm, have a flushed appearance, or are sweating). This should be determined without the use of fever-reducing medications (any medicine that contains ibuprofen or acetaminophen). Don’t go to class or work; socially distance yourself from others. Ask a roommate or friend to check up on you and to bring you food and supplies, if needed.
Special populations should check in with their health care provider. Serious illness from the flu is more likely in certain groups of people including people 65 and older, children under five, pregnant women, and people with certain chronic health disorders or compromised immune systems.
Wear a facial covering – if available and tolerable – when sharing common spaces with other household members to help prevent spreading the virus to others. This is especially important if other household members are at high risk for complications from the flu.
Practice respiratory etiquette. Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. If you don’t have a tissue, cough or sneeze into your elbow or shoulder, not into your hands.
Be watchful for emergency warning signs (see following link) that might indicate you need to seek medical attention for the seasonal flu or H1N1 flu.