SMU health officials recommend getting a flu shot

With the arrival of flu season across the country and in North Texas, SMU health officials are urging students, faculty and staff to take preventive measures to protect their health.

According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control, cases of influenza are expected to increase. Because flu can spread by contact with people who are ill, SMU health officials recommend getting a flu shot if you have not yet done so.

Before the spring term begins, all students, including those participating in fraternity and sorority recruitment and other activities, are urged to get a flu shot from their local pharmacy, clinic or physician’s office. Students should get vaccinated as soon as possible to allow time to develop protection against the flu.

Flu shots also are available at no cost from the SMU Health Center, while supplies last. The Health Center is offering flu shots from 1 to 2:30 p.m. January 8, 9 and 10. Students are asked to bring their SMU IDs to the Health Center and complete the online Flu Vaccine Form and bring it with them.

Beginning January 13, when the Health Center resumes normal operating hours, flu shots will be available from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Mondays through Fridays; students without an appointment may experience a wait. Flu shots also will be offered during immunization clinics Tuesdays from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. and Wednesdays from 9 to 11 a.m.

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.
• If you have flu symptoms, 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.
• Seek medical attention if experiencing acute symptoms such as body aches, cough or a fever of more than 100.5. Talk with a doctor about appropriate medications to treat flu or flu-like symptoms.

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