Health Center Offers Flu Prevention Tips

As the flu season approaches, the University Health Center reminds the campus community of important ways to stay healthy, based on the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Flu Preventive Steps.

Get the flu vaccine, the best way to protect yourself from the flu. Schedule an appointment for a flu shot at the University Health Center at myuhc.umd.edu or call 301.314.8180.

And take the following everyday actions to stop the spread of germs:

• If you’re healthy, try to avoid close contact with sick people.
• If you’re sick, limit contact with others as much as possible to keep from infecting them. If you have flu symptoms, the CDC recommends that you stay home for at least 24 hours after your fever is gone, except to get medical care or for other necessities.
• Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze.
• Wash your hands often with soap and water, or use an alcohol-based hand rub.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth. Germs spread this way.
• Clean and disinfect surfaces and objects that may be contaminated with germs like the flu.
• If you have underlying health conditions or take medications that suppress your immune system, it’s especially important to get your yearly flu shot to prevent complications. If you develop flu symptoms (fever with a cough or sore throat), see your health care provider within 24 to 48 hours.

For more information about the seasonal flu, visit the CDC’s website.