Campus News

University Health Center shares tips for flu season

The University Health Center has kicked off its annual #FluGA campaign at https://bit.ly/2OWN9jQ.  With many ways to access the flu shot, this year the UHC is including an egg-free vaccine.

Flu shots are available to UGA students, student spouses, current faculty/staff and their dependents (13 years and older) and retired faculty. A flu shot is free for those who bring a UGA ID and current insurance card. A flu shot will cost $50 for those who are uninsured.

Flu shots are available on a walk-in basis until Nov. 16 at the Allergy & Travel Clinic Wednesdays from 8:30-11:30 a.m. and Fridays from 1-4 p.m. Want flu shots to come to your department or organization? Send a request to https://bit.ly/2yHCkaS.

The UHC webpage also includes frequently asked questions about seasonal flu and links to additional information from the CDC.

The UHC offers the following tips to prevent the flu:

1. Get a flu shot. The best way to prevent the flu is to be immune to the viruses. If you haven’t gotten a flu shot yet, you should still get one.

2. Practice good hand hygiene by either hand washing with soap and water or by using alcohol-based gels.

3. Do not touch your face, eyes or mouth unless your hands are clean.

4. Cover your nose and mouth when coughing and sneezing. An uncovered cough or sneeze can project respiratory droplets 3 to 6 feet or more.

To treat the flu, the UHC suggests:

1. Stay home if you are sick. A good rule of thumb if you have the flu is that you should stay home as long as you have a fever. You can return to school or work if you are fever-free for at least 24 hours without using fever-reducing medicines.

2. Cover your nose and mouth when coughing and sneezing. Wash your hands after coughing or sneezing.

3. If you live in a residence hall, consider going to your permanent home until you have recovered.

4. Take medication to relieve the symptoms of flu.

5. Drink plenty of liquids.

6. Avoid using alcohol and tobacco.

7. Rest.