27% of UT Austin students report that colds, flu, or sore throats, more than any other physical health problem, negatively impacted their academic performance during the last school year (e.g., a lower score on an exam or project, a lower course grade, an incomplete, having to drop a course, etc.). (Spring 2006 UT Austin implementation of the National College Health Assessment Survey).

In the U.S., parents miss about 126 million workdays to care for children with colds. Employees suffering from cold miss an additional 150 million workdays, for an annual total estimated economic impact of work loss exceeding $20 billion.

Preventing Colds and Flu

Covering coughs and sneezes and frequent hand washing can dramatically reduce the transmission of colds, flu, sore throats, and many other illnesses. "Cover Your Cough/Clean Your Hands" posters and flyers serve as cues to action for students, faculty and staff to put these behaviors into practice so that they become daily habits – especially if displayed campus-wide

Do your part. Print as many 8.5" x 11" "Cover Your Cough/Clean Your Hand" flyers as you need to post in offices, reception and study areas, dining halls, break rooms, etc.

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