A Message from Student Health
This year-s influenza season is expected to be a difficult one, since the flu shot doesn’t have its usual high level of coverage for the circulating influenza viruses. Therefore, it is extra-important to protect yourself by washing hands frequently and avoiding contact with others who have influenza.
People with flu can spread the virus to others up to about six feet away. Most experts think that flu viruses are spread mainly by droplets made when people with flu cough, sneeze or talk. These droplets can land in the mouths or noses of people who are nearby or possibly be inhaled into the lungs. Less often, a person might also get flu by touching a surface or object that has flu virus on it and then touching their own mouth or nose.
Most healthy adults may be able to infect other people beginning one day before symptoms develop and up to five to seven days after becoming sick. That means that you may be able to pass on flu to someone else before you even know you are sick, as well as while you are sick.
To help minimize the spread of flu, cover your mouth when sneezing or coughing. Again, wash your hands often and use the Purell dispensers located in various campus locations.
If you believe you have influenza (fever, aches, cough), please call Student Health at 615-322-2427 to make an appointment. Walk-in visits are also available once the appointment slots are all filled. Starting Tamiflu within 48 hours of your illness can reduce the duration and severity of your symptoms and can help prevent you from spreading the infection as easily to others.
If you have had close contact with a person with influenza (roommate, close friend, significant other) then you can take Tamiflu for prevention. In order to get this prescription, please message your provider at the Student Health Center via the patient portal at www.myhealthatvanderbilt.com. If you don’t have access to My Health, you can also call the Student Health Center or walk-in for this preventive medication.
For more information about flu prevention, check out this information from the CDC, http://www.cdc.gov/flu/protect/preventing.htm
Stay well.