The Pat Walker Health Center has seen 83 cases of the flu since October and continues to urge students, faculty and staff to protect themselves from this virus.

Of the 83 cases seen this season, 24 of these cases have occurred in January of this year. This number is significantly larger than this time last year. The health center encourages you to get the flu vaccine, practice respiratory hygiene and seek medical treatment if you experience flu-like symptoms.

The health center administers the quadrivalent vaccine – protecting you against four strains of influenza. Individuals who have not yet been vaccinated against the flu this season — including those who might have already had the flu — should still get vaccinated, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says, as doing so can protect against viruses that are currently circulating or might circulate later.

Flu vaccines are available at the health center by calling the Allergy, Immunization and Travel Clinic at 479-575-7723 to make an appointment.

The vaccine is offered in two forms, a flu shot and a nasal spray. The flu shot is available at the cost of $20 for students or $40 for faculty and staff. The nasal spray is $30 for students or $50 for faculty and staff. If you have health insurance, please bring your insurance card with you because these costs are covered by most health care plans.

The flu is contagious, and the CDC affirms that most healthy adults may be able to infect others one day before they experience symptoms and up to five to seven days after becoming ill.

The health center encourages you to practice respiratory hygiene by coughing into your elbow or covering your mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing. The flu virus is spread by droplets during coughing and sneezing, which can be transmitted person to person, or by touching a surface infected with flu germs and then touching your mouth or nose. Wash your hands frequently, especially before touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Also, clean and disinfect surfaces and objects that may be contaminated with germs like the flu.

Students, faculty and staff who begin to experience flu-like symptoms such as fever, cough, sore throat, headache, fatigue and body aches, are advised to seek medical treatment in a timely manner to reduce the severity of the flu.

To make an appointment at the Pat Walker Health Center, call 479-575-4451, or visit the Patient Web Portal at health.uark.edu.