5 things you can do to avoid the flu
Viruses like colds and flu can last 7-10 days, meaning symptoms like a stuffy nose, body aches, fatigue and a sore throat may stick around for a while. Since antibiotics don’t work against viruses, it’s important to stay healthy and prevent illness before it happens. Here are 5 ways you can fend off the flu.
#1 Get a flu shot
The flu vaccine has been proven to be the most effective way to prevent the flu. All students can receive a free flu shot with their Buff OneCard. Walk-in clinics are available on campus at the following locations:
- Monday – Friday, 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Health and Wellness Services at Village Center
- Monday – Friday, 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Please note: After January 31, flu shots will be available by appoitment only. Please call 303-492-5432.
#2 Wash your hands
Wash your hands often – after you use the bathroom, before eating, after class. If warm water and soap aren’t available, alcohol-based hand sanitizer is a good alternative. You can pick up a free travel-sized bottle for your backpack from the Health Promotion office on the 3rd floor of Wardenburg Health Center.
#3 Protect your immune system
Our immune systems are impacted by everything we do, from what we eat to our stress levels. This means that eating balanced meals, staying hydrated and sleeping 7-9 hours per night all help protect and strengthen our immune systems.
Make it a priority this spring: stick to a regular bedtime schedule on school nights, carry around a refillable water bottle and eat fruits and vegetables with most meals. Making time for physical activity can help, too: take a walk with friends, play a game of Spike Ball on Farrand or take a trip to the .
#4 Help reduce the spread of germs
When we look out for each other, we all stay healthier. That’s why it’s important to wipe down communal surfaces like doorknobs and counters with disinfectant. Remember to cough and sneeze into your ellbow, sleeve or tissue. This will help prevent spreading your illness to others, including your friends and classmates.
#5 Take care of yourself
If you find yourself under the weather, try drinking warm tea to soothe your sore throat and get extra rest to help your body recover. If you need cold care supplies like cough drops, tissues, tea, honey sticks and gargling salt, you can visit the Health Promotion office on the 3rd floor of Wardenburg Health Center to pick up free cold and flu care supplies!
Feeling sick but unsure what to do?
Medical Services offers a free 24-hour nurse line that can help assess your situation and make recommendations. Call 303-492-5101 to speak to a nurse.
- If your symptoms don’t require immediate medical attention, nurses can provide tips for at-home remedies.
- If you need medical assistance, Medical Services offers appointments at both of their campus locations, including Wardenburg Health Center or Health and Wellness Services at Village Center.
Schedule an appointment by calling 303-492-5432 or schedule online through MyCUHealth.