Preventing Colds and Flu

UHS has concluded our 2007 Flu Shot Campaign during which we immunized 10,750 students, staff and faculty, and staff. We have exhausted our supply of flu vaccine.

Locating Flu Shots in the Community

2-1-1 Texas is a service that helps Texas citizens find various helpful resources. To locate a flu shot provider, go to www.211centraltexas.org.

Then go to "Looking for help" in the left navigation bar and select "Search the database."
At Step 1 – enter your zip code or "Austin" as the city.
At Step 2 – select "Find services by word or phrase."
Enter "Flu Shots" and on the next screen click "flu shots" or "flu shots for veterans" depending upon your needs.
You'll find a list of organizations, businesses, and healthcare facilities offering flu shots. From each there is a link for more details about shots at that site with contact numbers provided for more information.

View Influenza Vaccine Information

Preventing Colds and Flu

Cold and flu viruses are spread in droplets when an infected person coughs or sneezes. They can also be spread if an infected person coughs or sneezes into their hands or if they touch or rub their nose and then touch a surface, contaminating it with viruses.

Cold and flu viruses usually spread from person to person, but you can become infected if you touch a virus-contaminated surface (e.g. desktop, computer mouse, door knob) and then touch your nose, mouth or eyes. Reduce your chances of getting or spreading colds and flu by consistently practicing these low-tech behaviors.

WASH YOUR HANDS FREQUENTLY WITH SOAP AND WATER,or carry an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with you and use it often. Purchase alcohol-based hand sanitizer in small sizes to carry in your purse or backpack. The UHS Pharmacy (SSB 1.110) sells hand sanitizer. For more information, go to Effective Hand Washing.
KEEP YOUR HANDS AWAY FROM YOUR MOUTH, NOSE, AND EYES. They serve as portals of entry for cold and flu viruses. The mouth is also a portal of entry for many other viruses, bacteria, and parasites.
DON’T EAT, DRINK OR SMOKE AFTER OTHERS.
COUGH OR SNEEZE INTO YOUR UPPER SLEEVE OR THE CROOK OV YOUR ELBOW. VIRUSES WILL BE TRAPPED IN THE FABRIC OF YOUR CLOTHING INSTEAD OF CONTAMINATING YOUR HANDS.
You can also cover your cough with a tissue (not a handkerchief), but throw the tissue in a wastebasket immediately after you use it. Don’t lay it on a surface that others might touch. Wash or sanitize your hands as soon a possible.
AVOID CLOSE CONTACT WITH PEOPLE WHO ARE SICK, AND STAY HOME WHEN YOU ARE ILL.

Additional Resources:

Effective Hand Washing: Why, When, and How

Why hand washing is important

Frequent and proper hand washing can prevent a variety of illnesses ranging from colds, flu, viral "pink eye," and many sore throats to infectious diarrhea, hepatitis A, intestinal parasites and much more. Carry alcohol-based hand sanitizer with you to use when you can’t wash your hands. And always keep your hands away from you mouth, nose, and eyes which are portals of entry for many viruses and other "germs."

When to wash

After going to the bathroom.
After blowing your nose or coughing or sneezing into your hands.
Before eating.
Before you prepare or serve food.
After visiting someone who is sick.
After handling money.
After touching animals, including pets.
After changing a diaper.
Frequently if you routinely touch shared surfaces that could be contaminated by coughs, sneezes, or dirty hands (e.g., keyboards, desk or table tops, stair or escalator rails, door knobs, etc).

How to wash

If you have to touch part of a dispenser to get a paper towel, get your towel BEFORE you wash your hands, and hold it under your arm.
Wet your hands with warm water, and use liquid soap, if possible.
After lathering, remove your hands from the stream of water, so that you don’t wash away the soap.
Wash the front and back of your hands, your thumbs, between your fingers, and around your fingernails for 20 seconds (the equivalent of singing two verses of "Row, Row, Row Your Boat" or "Happy Birthday").
Rinse your hands thoroughly with warm water, and dry them on the paper towel. Push the “start” button on a blow dryer with your elbow.
Use the paper towel to turn off the water and open the door. Toss it in the nearest waste basket.

Additional Resources:

Join the UHS "Cover Your Cough/Clean Your Hands" Poster Campaign