According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, flu activity remains elevated in most of the country and prescribes a course of action.
First, if you have not received a flu shot yet, do it. If you are thinking that winter is almost over and you are safe, think again.
The CDC also reports that January and February bring the largest number of flu cases.
Like most students, our college budget doesn’t always leave much wiggle room for things other than food and an occasional beer, but staying healthy is important to your education.
You simply cannot afford to lose time at school or work because you got the flu.
Texas MedClinic is offering flu shots for $25 at all locations.
Students also can find vaccination locations through flushot.healthmap.org by simply providing an address or ZIP code.
Prices are not provided but a phone number for more information is available.
Getting vaccinated is one way of staying flu-free during the spring semester, but it is not the only defense.
The best way to beat the flu is by doing your part to stop the spread of the virus.
Students should wash hands regularly with soap and hot water. Try to avoid touching your nose and mouth. Also take advantage of the hand sanitizer dispensers in halls throughout the college or carry a small container of sanitizer in your bag.
Just think of all the doorknobs, handles, keyboards and desktops a student touches throughout the day.
So it’s also a good idea to disinfect frequently touched surfaces. Packs of disinfectant towels are sized to carry in your backpack also.
Finally, common courtesy can go a long way in preventing the spread of flu and germs.
Cover coughs and sneezes, preferably with a tissue, but in a pinch, cover your mouth with the crook of your elbow. That way you don’t transfer all those germs onto the next doorknob or keyboard you use.
After all, they are your germs; you should keep them to yourself.