Flu Advisory

Cases of influenza have increased in Texas and Bexar County. We strongly encourage all members of the St. Mary’s community to continue to take precautionary steps to help limit the spread of this illness.

Become vaccinated with the flu shot:

• Students can call the Student Health Center at 210-436-3506 for a flu shot. The cost is $20 and is billed to your student account. The cost of the vaccine is covered by the Student Health Insurance plan if the vaccine is received at the Student Health Center.
• Faculty and staff can also receive the flu shot at the Student Health Center for $20.
• Students, faculty and staff who decide to get the flu shot at the Student Health Center must bring a photo ID to the clinic.
• Faculty and staff who are covered by the University's employee health plan, should call Aetna for local pharmacies that offer flu vaccinations and that can bill your insurance directly.
• Students who are Bexar County residents and under the age of 18, can receive a FREE flu shot through the Vaccine for Children Program. Supplies are limited.

Wash your hands frequently.

• Use soap and water or an alcohol-based hand sanitizer

Cover your cough or sneeze

• Remember that respiratory particles can spread about 3-6 feet in front of you
• Use your sleeve or a tissue to cough or sneeze into
• Remember to toss your used tissue in the wastebasket and wash your hands afterwards

Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth

• Limit handshaking as the flu virus lives on surfaces for 2-8 hours
• Frequently wipe down exercise equipment, door knobs, keyboards, telephone handles, etc.

If You are Ill

• Stay home. Faculty, staff and students who are ill with flu-like symptoms should remain at home (or in their room) until their temperature returns to normal for at least 24 hours without fever-reducing medications like Tylenol (acetaminophen) or Motrin/Advil ( Ibuprofen).
• Wear a surgical mask when you have to leave your home or dorm room to visit the doctor or Student Health Center or when around other people (i.e. pharmacy). Also, stay at least 6 feet away from others so that you do not infect them.
• If you are a student with influenza-like symptoms, call the Student Health Center for an appointment or telephone advice. Contact your professors and make arrangements for missed class assignments/exams.
• If you are a faculty or staff member with influenza-like symptoms, call your doctor and contact your immediate supervisor if you are ill with influenza-like symptoms.
• Individuals who have diabetes, asthma, chronic lung problems, are immunocompromised or have other chronic medical problems should visit their doctors ASAP if they develop influenza-like symptoms.

Know the Symptoms

It's a good idea to know the difference between the common cold and the flu. This chart can help: "Cold or Flu?"

The most common flu symptoms include:

• Fever greater than (>) 100 degrees Fahrenheit (92%)
• Cough (87%)
• Sore throat (57%)
• Body Aches
• Chills
• Fatigue
• Headache
• Nausea/vomiting/Diarrhea

Seek immediate medical attention for the following:

• Difficulty Breathing
• Chest Pain
• Stiff neck
• Sudden Dizziness
• Confusion
• Severe, persistent vomiting/diarrhea
• Flu-like symptoms that improve, but then fever returns and cough is worse

For more information, visit www.texasflu.org