UO President Michael Gottfredson joined the University Health Center's flu prevention efforts on Thursday when he stopped by the Faculty and Staff Flu Clinic for his annual flu shot.
“It’s a good prevention practice,” he said. “The flu is an important health issue and I’m hopeful not to get it and I’m hopeful not to spread it to others … plus, the shot really doesn’t hurt.”
An average of 5 percent to 20 percent of the U.S. population gets the flu each year and more than 200,000 people are hospitalized from seasonal flu-related complications. Unlike many other viral respiratory infections, such as the common cold, the flu can cause severe illness and life-threatening complications in many people.
It is considered important for students, faculty and staff get their flu shots.
University Health Center Faculty and Staff Flu Clinics run 8 a.m. to 9 a.m. each Wednesday, Thursday and Friday through Nov. 1. Those wishing to be immunized must bring their UO ID as well as their Providence Choice or PEBB Statewide insurance card. For faculty and staff without Providence or PEBB insurance, the charge for influenza vaccine is $27.
UO Students can get their flu shots from 9 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. and from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. Mondays through Fridays at the Nurse Specialty Clinic or at regularly scheduled appointments. The cost is $15 and can be paid with cash, check, or billed to Duckweb.
Flu prevention tips
Tried and true methods to prevent the flu and other illness include:
- Get your flu shot
- Cough or sneeze into your elbow, not your hands
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth
- Wash hands with soap and water often and thoroughly
- Get ample rest
- Eat well, don’t skip meals
If you get the flu
If you get the flu, stay home and take care of yourself until symptoms go away. Influenza is generally an upper respiratory illness. The most common symptoms with sudden onset include:
- Fever or feeling feverish or chills;
- Cough;
- Sore throat;
- Runny or stuffy nose;
- Muscle or body aches;
- Headaches;
- Fatigue (tiredness);
- Rarely vomiting or diarrhea for adults (but may be present with children).
If there is any question about symptoms, severity or need to seek attention, consult medical professional. Students may call the University Health Center’s Appointment or after-hour Nurse Advice Line at 541-346-2770.
- by Keith Van Norman, University Health Center