Flu Shots at UHS
Preventing the Flu
Flu Symptoms / Groups at Higher Risk / What to Do if You Think You Have the Flu
Medical Treatment of the Flu
Self-care and Over-the-Counter Medications for the Flu
Cold and flu viruses spread mainly when someone who has a cold or the flu coughs or sneezes, potentially propelling virus-laden respiratory droplets several feet through the air. You can become infected by inhaling these droplets or by touching a surface that has been contaminated by these droplets (like a desk, doorknob or keyboard) and then touching your mouth, nose or eyes.
How to Avoid Getting Colds and FluPrint and post a Healthyhorns Stop Germs poster 11"x17" (PDF)
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The Proper Way to Wash your Hands
If you're a UT student and have flu symptoms,
The symptoms of influenza generally include:
Illnesses with a lot of nasal congestion and mild fever are probably not the flu. People may have only one or two symptoms besides a fever, or they may have many.
Most people who have the flu recover without needing medical treatment. But serious complications like pneumonia can occur and may be more likely in certain people such as those who:
If You Have Flu Symptoms
*CAUTION - Many cold and cough medicines contain acetaminophen or ibuprofen. Check the active ingredients and take no more than one medicine containing acetaminophen at a time. Ask a pharmacist to help you find the right medication.
Medical Treatment of the Flu
Antibiotics aren't effective against the flu. The flu is caused by viruses, and antibiotics don't kill viruses. However, if a secondary bacterial infection develops because of the flu (e.g. pneumonia, bronchitis, a serious sinus infection, etc.), a healthcare provider may prescribe antibiotics for the bacterial infection.
Some prescription anti-viral drugs can help reduce the severity and duration of the flu if started within 48 hours of the onset of flu symptoms.
To get help determining whether your flu symptoms need medical attention or if you can care for them at home, call the UHS UHS Nurse Advice Line at (512) 475-6877.
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Monday - Friday, 8am to 5pm by appointment |
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(512) 471-4955 |
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Email UHS |
University Health Services is committed to providing high-quality care to patients of all ages, races, ethnicities, physical abilities or attributes, religions, sexual orientations, or gender identities/expression.
100 West Dean Keeton Student Services Building (SSB)