SMU Urges Flu Shots and Other Precautions Against Flu

As the spring term begins, SMU health officials urge students, faculty and staff to take precautions against the flu and help prevent its spread by getting a flu shot.

According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control, health officials are reporting widespread cases of the flu across the country and in Texas, and expect the number to continue to rise.

SMU offers free flu shots for all SMU students, as well as benefit eligible faculty, staff, retirees and retiree spouses, while supplies last.

Flu shots are available at the Health Center from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Mondays through Fridays; those without an appointment may experience a wait. The Health Center also offers flu shots during immunization clinics Tuesdays from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. and Wednesdays from 9 to 11 a.m.

Please bring your SMU ID to the Health Center and complete the online Flu Vaccine Form and bring it with you.

Other precautions against the flu include:

• Wash hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds or use hand sanitizer frequently, especially after touching common surfaces such as door handles. Cover your mouth when coughing or sneezing with either a disposable tissue or a sleeve, and avoid touching your face. Avoid contact with people who are sick. Get plenty of rest to keep the immune system working at its best.
      
• Monitor your health. Flu symptoms include fever with cough or sore throat, and sometimes runny nose, body aches, headache, vomiting or diarrhea.

What to do if sick with the flu

• Seek medical attention if experiencing acute symptoms such as body aches, cough or a fever of more than 100.5. In case of emergency, call 911 or visit a hospital emergency room. The Health Center is open Mondays-Fridays from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.; call 214-768-2141. For information about after-hours options near campus, click here.
      
• Stay home and limit contact with others until you no longer have a fever (a temperature of less than 100.5 F) for at least 24 hours without the use of fever-reducing medications.
      
• Students with the flu should email their professors as soon as possible and let them know they have the flu, or they may call the Office of the Dean of Student Life for assistance at 214-768-4564. Read the policy on absences from class.
      
• Resident students who have flu symptoms may order meals for pickup from RFoC at Umphrey Lee by contacting Tammie Henderson (214-802-8973 or tammieh@smu.edu).  Those picking up the meals must have the ill student’s SMU ID card.
      
• If symptoms get worse after being on the medication for three or four days, return to your healthcare provider to make sure you have not developed a secondary infection. Those with chronic health conditions, such as asthma, or complications should call the Health Center at 214-768-2141.

Please contact the Health Center at 214-768-2141 for more information, or visit smu.edu/flu.