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. Find more information at smu.edu/flu.

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 Dr. Bob Smith Health Center. 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 flu activity, vaccinations and prevention.

Take additional precautions.

• 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 flu symptoms.

• 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.

• Seek medical attention 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 hospital emergency room.

Find more information at smu.edu/flu.