The Pat Walker Health Center is seeing an alarming number of flu cases on campus. The best way to protect against the flu virus is to get an annual flu vaccine.

The health center has partnered with the Washington County Health Unit to offer a flu vaccine clinic. The clinic will be held from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Feb. 8, in the Arkansas Union Connections Lounge. Anyone who hasn't received the flu vaccine is encouraged to attend. Please bring your insurance card if you have one.

Can't make the flu clinic?

The Allergy, Immunization & Travel clinic has a limited number of flu vaccines available. Anyone unable to attend the flu clinic on Feb. 8, is encouraged to schedule an appointment at 479-575-7723. The cost of the flu vaccine is $20 for students and $50 for faculty/staff. The vaccine can also be billed to insurance, as most health plans cover the cost of the flu vaccine.

Practice Good Respiratory Hygiene to Avoid Spreading the Flu Virus

• Avoid close contact with sick people. While sick, limit contact with others as much as possible to avoid infecting them.
• If you have a fever, stay home from work/class until you are fever free for at least 24 hours.
• Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze.
• Wash your hands often with soap and water. Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth.
• Clean and disinfect surfaces and objects that may be contaminated with germs like the flu.

Seek Medical Treatment if Experiencing Flu-like Symptoms

The flu can can cause mild to severe illness, is different from a cold, and usually comes on suddenly. Some of the symptoms include:

• fever or feeling feverish/chills
• cough
• sore throat
• runny or stuffy nose
• muscle or body aches
• headaches
• fatigue (tiredness)

If you are experiencing flu-like symptoms, see your primary care physician to help reduce the severity of the flu.

To schedule an appointment at the health center, call 479-575-4451 or go to myhealth.uark.edu.

For more information, go to www.cdc.gov/flu.