Flu Vaccine
Flu shots administered in Nurses Clinic are FREE for students with SHIP, and $15 for those without SHIP, plus the $10 visit fee.
You may also be able to obtain a flu shot in the community. Check this link for availability: http://www.lung.org/lung-disease/influenza/flu-vaccine-finder/?gclid=CIbhtMKm8rQCFYl7QgodoiEAdg
How can I avoid getting the flu?
- Get the flu vaccine.
- Wash hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after a sneeze or cough. Use alcohol-based hand cleansers if soap and water is not available
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth
- Frequently wipe down areas, doorknobs, phones used by multiple people with disinfectant (Clorox wipes work well)
- Get adequate sleep and exercise, eat healthy meals, and try to reduce stress
- Avoid contact with others you know to be ill. If you must be near others who are ill, keep at least 6 feet distance
How do I know if I have the flu?
The CDC defines flu symptoms as include fever (temperature of 100 degrees F [38 degrees C] or greater, or signs of fever such as chills, sweats, flushing, skin feeling hot) with cough and/or sore throat. In addition, you may experience headache, body aches, fatigue, nasal congestion, vomiting and diarrhea. To help determine if you have a cold or flu, and for more advice, complete this brief, anonymous flu questionnaire: http://studenthealth.ucsd.edu/shs-fluscreening.shtml
Cold or flu? What to do?
In general, unless you are experiencing difficulty breathing, chest pain, persistent vomiting, severe diarrhea or instability related to dehydration, persistent fever more than 3-4 days, or have a high-risk condition, you should stay home and use self-care measures.
High risk conditions include:
- lung diseases like asthma, cystic fibrosis, chronic bronchitis or emphysema
- heart disease
- chronic kidney disease
- metabolic diseases like diabetes
- blood disorders like sickle cell or other severe anemia
- a weakened immune system caused, for example, by cancer or cancer treatment, HIV/AIDS, organ transplant, or corticosteroid therapy
- certain conditions such as nervous system or muscular disorders or seizure disorders that can cause breathing problems or increase the risk of inhaling oral secretions.
- pregnancy
What kinds of things can I do for self-care?
- Take acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin, Nuprin) for fever and body aches.
- Over-the-counter cold and flu medications used according to the package instructions may help lessen some symptoms.
- Get plenty of rest.
- Drink clear fluids (water, broth, sports drinks) to keep from getting dehydrated.
- Cover coughs and sneezes with a tissue, or cough into your elbow if a tissue is not available.
- Clean hands often and especially after using tissues, or coughing into hands.
- Avoid close contact with others; do not go to work or school while ill.
- Stay home for 24 hours after your fever is gone (and you are no longer taking antifever medication)
Get Well kits for students
Students can purchase a Get Well kit at Student Health for only $5.00. The kit contains the following: digital thermometer, acetaminophen, hand sanitizer, cough syrup, tissues and throat lozenges.
Flu Buddies!
Student Health Advocates can help if you're down with the flu! FluBuddies can bring you a Get Well kit (Monday through Friday, from 8am to 4pm). Just e-mail StudentHealth@ucsd.edu to make arrangements.
Who can I talk to if I need more advice?
If you are ill and need additional advice you may call the SHS Urgent Care nurse at (858) 534-5032. After hours, you can reach an advice nurse by calling our main phone (858) 534-3300 and choosing the correct option.
Links to more information
