Attention students! Flu season is here, so don't let your academic or social life get sidetracked this semester.

Here are some simple steps to take to help keep you healthy and successful as you kick-off the semester.

1. Get the flu vaccine

The best way to prevent contracting the flu is with the annual flu vaccine!

It's not too late to get your annual flu vaccine. Even if you get the flu shot and happen to contract the flu, the vaccine can help reduce the severity and length of symptoms.

Flu shots are available at Pat Walker Health Center's Allergy, Immunization & Travel Clinic. The AIT Clinic is open 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday.

Flu shots cost $20 for students, and can be billed to insurance as most health insurance plans cover the cost of the flu vaccine.

To schedule your flu vaccine appointment, go call 479-575-7723 or log on to the Patient Web Portal.

2. Practice good respiratory hygiene

It should go without saying that washing your hands with warm water and soap often helps prevent the spread of germs, especially the flu virus.

Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth, and always make sure to cover your mouth and nose when you cough or sneeze.

Make sure to regularly disinfect frequently touched surfaces prone to germs and bacteria, such as door knobs, cell phones/laptops and tables.

Avoid sharing food and drinks.

Getting plenty of rest, drinking plenty of water, and eating healthy will help keep your immune system fighting! Late nights studying, inadequate rest and an unhealthy diet can weaken the immune system and increase the chance of catching the flu.

Lastly, make sure to avoid contact with those already infected with the flu. Most healthy adults may be able to infect others beginning one day before symptoms develop and up to 5 to 7 days after becoming sick.

3. Know the symptoms and what to do

People who have the flu often show some/all of the following symptoms:

• Fever or feeling feverish/chills
• Cough
• Sore throat
• Runny or stuffy nose
• Muscle or body aches
• Headaches
• Fatigue (very tired)

It can be hard to tell the difference between the flu and a cold since both illnesses share many of the same symptoms. In general, flu symptoms are going to be more severe and sudden than cold symptoms. It's important to seek treatment for flu because the illness can escalate into pneumonia, bronchitis, sinus and ear infections.

If you notice flu-like symptoms, schedule an appointment with a health center medical provider. If diagnosed early, antiviral medications can be prescribed to perhaps shorten the duration of symptoms and lessen the severity of the flu. Antiviral medications are most effective when started within 48 hours of symptoms.

To schedule an appointment with a medical provider, call the health center's Primary Care Clinic at 479-575-4451, or log on to the Patient Web Portal.

Experiencing symptoms? Read the health center's "Navigating the Flu" handout to help get you feeling better, sooner.

4. Give Your Professor a Heads-up

Have to miss class? Make sure to give your professor a heads-up.

If you experience flu-like symptoms it is best to avoid classes/social gatherings/large groups, etc. until you are fever free for at least 24 hours without the use of fever-reducing medication. This will help slow the spread of the virus in the community.

The average number of days a student is sick with the flu is 8 days! If you have flu-like symptoms, especially a high fever, stay out of class, work and other social activities that could lead to infecting others.

If you have to miss class, make sure to let your professor know as soon as possible, and ideally before class.

The health center does not provide class excuses for missed classes. However, you may find it useful to use the Class Absence Form as a means to have appropriate communication with your professor about missing class. Students can also print their appointment reminders and dates/times from the Patient Web Portal as a means to provide proof of a doctor's visit.

Students living on-campus can also request a sick tray form at the front desk of your residence hall or from their hall's residence education coordinator.

Learn more about the flu and how you can protect yourself!