Staying Healthy this Cold and Flu Season

1. Get your flu shot: Getting a flu shot can prevent you from getting the flu as well as stop the spread of influenza to others. On campus, you can get a flu shot:

  • At University Health Services (UHS) – $49, some insurances accepted – by appointment, call 734-764-8320

  • At campus flu shot clinics, provided by Michigan Visiting Care  – $25, some insurances accepted  – walk-in, no appointment needed:

    • 10/27/16, 10 AM - 2 PM, Duderstadt Connector Hall, 2281 Bonisteel Blvd

    • 11/14/16, 9 AM - 1 PM, Michigan League, Vandenberg Room

    • 11/17/16, noon - 4 PM, Michigan Union, Pond Room ABC

    • 12/6/16, noon - 4 PM, Michigan Union, Pond Room ABC

    • 12/7/16, noon - 4 PM, Michigan League, Vandenberg Room

    • 12/13/16, 10 AM - 2 PM, Palmer Commons, Great Lakes Central Room

2. Rest up: Make sure you are getting enough sleep, even during stressful exam periods. Stress is known to compromise the immune system. Getting a full night’s sleep can help reduce your risk of catching a cold and will keep you on track to ace midterms.

3. Eat smart: While it may be tempting to make a late night coffee run or cheesy bread order, it’s better for your immune system to maintain a balanced diet. Eating fruits, veggies, and protein will help keep you energized throughout the day. Make sure you’re drinking enough water and sip tea with lemon and honey instead of coffee for a caffeine buzz that will help fight off germs. When in doubt, take a daily vitamin to ensure your body gets all it needs to stay healthy.

4. Clean up: Make use of the hand sanitizer stations set up in academic buildings to stop the spread of germs. Also make sure to wipe down communal surfaces daily, such as door handles, keyboards, and gym equipment. Wipe down your phone as well to make sure anything it might pick up doesn’t come home with you. It’s especially important to wash after personal hygiene (like using the restroom or blowing your nose) and before eating. Singing “The Victors” ensures enough time to scrub away those germs.

5. Know when to take a break: Initial symptoms of the flu include fever, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, aches, fatigue. If you experience any of these stay home and make sure you get the rest and appropriate medication to get you back up and running in no time. You can also schedule an appointment with UHS. If you need to miss class and/or work due to illness make sure to contact your instructors and/or employer as well as notify your academic adviser. Students may also contact the Dean of Students Office for assistance.

 

For more on flu shots, including insurance, plus more about staying well this season, see the UHS webpage on Flu and Vaccination.

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After you get your flu shot, be sure to help U-M beat MSU in the College Flu Vaccination Challenge. Here's how it works:

  1. Get a flu shot anywhere you like

  2. Answer 4 quick survey questions

  3. Bask in the protection from flu and the knowledge that you just added to our points against State!

Finally, what if you do come down with a cold or flu? Many times, self-care at home is all you need to feel better. UHS’ Colds and Flu webpage explains when self-care is okay and when to get medical care. And UHS offers Nurse Advice by Phone, so you can stay warm in bed.

 

Contributed By: Brooke Baker, Beyond the Diag, and Carol Tucker, Wolverine Wellness