How You Can Fight the Flu This Winter

Colder weather often brings a rise in seasonal illnesses, but a few simple steps can help you stay well — including getting your annual flu vaccine. 

Huda Sharaf, M.D., medical director at Pat Walker Health Center (PWHC), says there's still plenty of time to get vaccinated if you haven't done so already.  

"If you weren't able to join us for the Stick and Treat flu vaccine clinic in October, you still have time to get a flu shot at the health center," Sharaf said. "Flu season typically starts around October and can run all the way through May, with peak activity between December and February." 

Sharaf notes that getting a flu shot at any point in the flu season offers better protection than not getting vaccinated at all. Scheduling an appointment is easy through PWHC's patient portal at myhealth.uark.edu or by calling 479-575-4451.  

So, who should get a flu vaccine? According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, everyone ages 6 months and older should be vaccinated every flu season, especially those at higher risk. And based on the October's Stick and Treat event, many in the university community are taking steps to protect themselves this winter. 

"We were delighted by the success of the Stick and Treat flu vaccine clinic," said Lisa Davis, R.N., PWHC's director of nursing. "Each year, we set aside a specific number of vaccine doses just for this event. This event surpassed previous years with our team, in collaboration with the EMSON nursing students, administering 148 of the 150 available flu vaccinations on Oct. 31." 

And that number does not include the more than 895 flu shots that were given out in fall 2025.   

Flu Season Tips 

Prevention is key when staying healthy this flu season. The medical staff at Pat Walker Health Center offered these tips to help protect yourself and others: 

• Get the flu vaccine. 

• Wash your hands with soap and water, or use hand sanitizer often, especially after touching doorknobs, desks or other objects frequently used by multiple people. 

• Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth — germs spread this way. 

• Cover coughs and sneezes with a tissue or your elbow. Dispose of tissues immediately and sanitize hands afterward.  

• Avoid close contact with people who are sick.  

• Stay home until you have been fever-free for 24 hours without fever-reducing medication, and your symptoms are improving.

• Avoid sharing personal items such as eating utensils, cups, lip balms or vapes. 

• Support your immune system by getting enough sleep — at least seven hours - staying hydrated and eating a balanced diet. 

Schedule an appointment with a primary care provider if you are feeling ill. Providers may be able to help reduce the severity of the flu. Masks are encouraged to help limit the spread of respiratory illness when symptoms are present. 

About Medical Services at Pat Walker Health Center: Medical Services supports the University of Arkansas community by providing efficient and convenient access to medical, mental health, substance abuse and support services. The care team is committed to improving and maintainingthe overall well-being of the university's students, faculty, and staff by creating an inclusive environment promoting positive behavior and lifestyle changes. Medical Services is a department of the Division of Student Affairs. To learn more, visit health.uark.edu/medial-health.