A flu message from the SMU Health Center

With a rising number of flu cases in Texas and across the country, SMU community members are urged to take precautions against the flu.

January 11, 2018

With a rising number of flu cases in Texas and across the country, SMU community members are urged to take precautions against the flu. Find more information at .

WHAT YOU CAN DO TO HELP PREVENT THE SPREAD OF FLU

Get a flu shot if you have not already done so.

  • To get a flu shot, visit your local pharmacy, clinic or physician’s office.
  • Flu shots also are available, while supplies last, at no cost at SMU’s . The Health Center is currently open during its normal operating hours of 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Mondays through Fridays. Bring your SMU ID. Update: Appointments are not required for flu shots.

While reports indicate that this year’s vaccine may be less effective than in previous years, getting a shot continues to offer the best protection against the flu. Read more from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention about .

Take

  • Wash hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, 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.

Be aware of .

  • Fever with cough or sore throat
  • Runny nose
  • Body aches
  • Headache
  • Fatigue
  • Sometimes vomiting or diarrhea

WHAT TO DO IF SICK WITH THE FLU

  • 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.
  • if experiencing acute symptoms such as body aches, cough or a fever of more than 100.5 F. In case of emergency, call 911 or visit a .

 

Find more information at .

January 11, 2018