The dreaded “flu season” is here again! But there is a lot you can do to protect yourself and others against it, as well as to look after yourself should you get it. A case of “flu” also called influenza, is quite a bit worse than a common cold and will make you miserable and keep you home for a few days. Most people will make it through without complications. Read more below, and be well.
For Students
- SMU is providing students with FREE flu vaccinations while supplies last. Students are welcome to attend flu shot clinics. In addition, flu shots are always available at the Dr. Bob Smith Health Center by calling 214-768-2141 (option 1).
For Employees
- SMU Employees are welcome to attend any of the scheduled flu shot clinics. Please bring your SMU ID to receive your FREE flu shot.
FREE flu shots are also available at Walgreens, Kroger, Costco, CVS and CVS-Target pharmacies with your student or family health insurance.
- Get a flu shot. They are our best prevention and they are available for students on campus.
- Avoid fatigue and get plenty of rest to keep your immune system working at its best.
- Wash your hands with soap and water or use hand sanitizer frequently, especially after touching common surfaces (door handles, railings, etc.). Consider carrying hand sanitizer with you.
- Cover your mouth when you cough or sneeze with either a disposable tissue or your sleeve.
- Avoid contact with people who are sick.
- If you become sick, stay home. Do not infect others.
- Seek medical care if you have acute symptoms such as body aches, cough and/or a fever of more than 100.5.
- If you have flu or flu-like symptoms, stay home and have only limited contact with others who are not sick. Persons exhibiting flu-like symptoms should not return to class or work until they no longer have fever for at least 24 hours without the use of fever-reducing medications.
- Monitor your health by checking fever and other flu symptoms. Symptoms of flu usually include fever with cough or sore throat, and sometimes runny nose, body aches, headache, vomiting or diarrhea.
- Recognize whether a student, roommate, staff or faculty member is at high risk for severe illness from flu. People at higher risk for flu complications include pregnant women, persons who have chronic medical conditions (such as asthma, diabetes, cancer or heart disease) and people age 65 years and older.
- Students, faculty, staff, or retirees who have the flu or flu-like symptoms should consult a healthcare provider.
- Students with the flu should e-mail their professors as soon as possible and let them know they have the flu.
- If you get worse after being on the medication for three or four days, go back to the Health Center or to a physician to have your lungs rechecked to make sure you have not developed a secondary infection.
