Action Steps for Students, Faculty and Staff to Reduce or Prevent the Spread of the Flu:
- Get vaccinated. The LCU Student Health Office recommends the flu vaccine for all students, faculty and staff, especially if you are at higher risk for complications. People at higher risk for complications include young children, pregnant women and people with chronic medical conditions (such as asthma, heart disease or diabetes). For more information about priority groups for vaccination, visit the CDC website.
- Practice good hand hygiene by washing your hands often with soap and water often, for at least 20 seconds, especially after coughing or sneezing. Alcohol-based hand cleaners also are effective.
- Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. If you do not have a tissue, cough or sneeze into your elbow, sleeve or shoulder, not into your hands.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth. These portal areas when exposed to virus can lead to infection.
- If you are sick, stay home or at your place of residence for at least 24 hours after you no longer have a fever (100 degrees Fahrenheit or 38 degrees Celsius) or signs of a fever (have chills, feel very warm, have a flushed appearance, or are sweating). This should be determined before the use of fever-reducing medications (any medicine that contains ibuprofen or acetaminophen). Staying away from others while sick can prevent others from getting sick too. Ask a roommate, friend or family member to check up on you and to bring you food and supplies if needed.
- Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
- Clean and disinfect surfaces and shared objects. Use an alcohol based cleaner or wipe for most effective decontamination.
- Avoid stress, stay well rested and enjoy a healthy diet.
Actions to take if you have the Flu:
- Please call the LCU Student Health Office within the first 24–48 hours you develop flu symptoms for early evaluation.
- Get plenty of rest.
- Increase your fluid intake.
- Stay at home until free of fever for 24 hours (prior to taking any fever reducers).
It is your responsibility to notify the appropriate person if you experience these symptoms. If you are a student (even if you live off campus), please contact the Residence Life staff (806-720-7507) or the LCU Student Health Office (806-720-7482).
More information about the seasonal flu vaccine can be found at the CDC Website.
Everyone is encouraged to receive the seasonal flu vaccine. Children 6 months through 18 years of age, people of any age with chronic medical conditions (such as asthma, heart disease or diabetes), and everyone age 50 and older should be vaccinated against seasonal flu as early as possible.
The LCU Student Health Office schedules a campus Flu Vaccination Clinic each fall prior to flu season. Additionally, all local pharmacies provide flu vaccination. There is generally no charge with most insurances, and minimal cost for cash pay.
Symptoms of the flu include fever or chills, cough, and sore throat. In addition, symptoms can include runny nose, body aches, headache, tiredness, diarrhea or vomiting.