Staying Healthy

With more than 26,000 students and 6,000 faculty and staff members, being part of the campus community means encountering many individuals every day. Taking a few simple steps—especially during colds and flu season—can help prevent catching an illness and possibly passing it on to others.

Seasonal flu is a common respiratory infection spread by sneezing, coughing, and human contact. Most people have a natural immunity to the virus, as well as access to the vaccine. But, every year, 5 to 20 percent of the U.S. population gets sick with flu or a related illness, according to the Centers for Disease Control. In addition, the risk of a larger flu outbreak—as a result of new virus strains—has grown in recent years. So, now more than ever, it is important to follow these easy steps:

Get a flu shot

The flu vaccine will prevent infection in 70 to 90 percent of healthy persons. UT offers flu shots at the Student Health Service. Vaccines also may be available through your primary care physician or the local health department. For updates about Knox County’s resources, visit www.knoxcounty.org/health/.

Avoid close contact

Avoid close contact with people who are sick. When you are sick, keep your distance from others to protect them from getting sick too.

Cover your mouth and nose

Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing. It may prevent those around you from getting sick.

Clean your hands

Washing your hands often will help protect you from germs.

Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth

Germs often are spread when a person touches something that is contaminated with germs and then touches his or her eyes, nose, or mouth.

Stay home when you are sick

If possible, stay home from work or school when you are sick. You will help prevent others from catching your illness. Be sure to get plenty of sleep, drink lots of liquids, and avoid using alcohol or tobacco.

Seek medical attention

If you develop flu symptoms, contact your primary care physician or the Student Health Service. Some medications may be available to relieve your symptoms.

The flu is identifiable by several common symptoms:

• Fever (usually high)
• Headache
• Extreme tiredness
• Dry cough
• Sore throat
• Runny or stuffy nose
• Muscle aches
• Stomach symptoms, such as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea, also can occur but are more common in children than adults

A fever and "achy feeling" are early indicators of the flu. Complications of the flu can include bacterial pneumonia, dehydration, and worsening of chronic medical conditions.

For more information on seasonal flu, visit www.cdc.gov/flu/keyfacts.htm.