Flu Information

I am…taking the necessary steps to stay healthy!

UNI Student Health Clinic


How to stay healthy….get a flu shot!

The Center for Disease Control recommends a yearly flu vaccine as the first and most important step in protecting against flu viruses. Flu vaccination provides protection against the influenza strains contained in the vaccine that will last for the whole season. It takes about two weeks after vaccination for your body to develop an immune response. Get vaccinated now so that you will be protected when flu season begins. In the United States, influenza season usually begins in October and can last until May.

If you would like to get a flu shot please check with the area pharmacy's to see if they have vaccines available. The Student Health Clinic has adminstered all of the flu vaccines we had for this flu season.


How to prevent the spread of the flu and colds

  • Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze. Alcohol-based hand sanitizers are also effective.
  • Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue away after you use it.
  • If you don't have a tissue, cough or sneeze into your elbow or shoulder, not into your hands.
  • Avoid touching your hands to your eyes, nose, or mouth. Germs spread this way.
  • Do not share food, drinks, eating utensils, or lip balm.
  • Avoid close contact with people who have flu symptoms.
  • Frequently clean your living and working quarters. Frequently clean commonly-used surfaces such as doorknobs, refrigerator handles, remote controls, computer keyboards, countertops, faucet handles and bathroom areas.

Know the symptoms of the flu

  • The primary symptom of the flu is a temperature equal to or greater than 100 degrees F. Signs of a temperature of this level are that you feel warm, you have a flushed appearance, and/or you are sweating or shivering. You should check your temperature while you are not under the influence of any fever-reducing medication.
  • Other symptoms are body aches, runny or stuffy nose, cough, headache, tiredness, sore throat, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea.

    • What to do if you have the flu

  • Drink plenty of liquids like water, fruit juices, and clear soups. Drinking plenty of liquids, such as water or juice, can soothe your throat.
  • Rest, SLEEP at least 7-9 hours per night. This will help give your body time to recover.
  • AVOID smoke & alcohol. They can aggravate and prolong symptoms.
  • Stay at home or in your residence hall room; don't go to class, work, shopping, events or other public places.
  • Avoid contact with other people until 24 hours after your fever has dropped below 100 degrees F without the use of fever-reducing medication.

    • When should I call my doctor?

    In most cases, you don’t need to see your doctor when you have the flu. However, if you have any of the symptoms below. Students can call the UNI Student Health Clinic and speak with a nurse at 319-273-5161 or after hours, contact Nurse-on-Call at 319-272-2600.

  • Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
  • Pain or pressure in the chest or abdomen
  • Sudden dizziness
  • Confusion
  • Severe or persistent vomiting
  • Flu-like symptoms improve but then return with fever and worse cough

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    Cedar Falls, Iowa 50614-0221 • Ph. (319) 273-2009 • Copyright © 2009 University of Northern Iowa