The single best way to prevent the flu is to get vaccinated each fall, but good health habits and antiviral medications are other measures that can help protect against the flu.

Vaccination
The single best way to protect against the flu is to get vaccinated each year. It is still beneficial to get vaccinated in December and later. Flu season can begin as early as October and last as late as May. Once vaccinated, the body makes protective antibodies in about two weeks.

When flu vaccines are available, students can come to Redfern Health Center on a walk-in basis, Monday-Friday, between the hours of 8:00 - 11:00 AM and 1:00 - 4:00 PM.

Students will be notified by e-mail as flu shot clinics outside of Redfern are scheduled.

Cost
The cost of flu shots is $18.00.

Tips on How to Prevent the Flu

• Avoid close contact. Avoid close contact with people who are sick. When you are sick, keep your distance from others to protect them from getting sick, too. Also avoid sharing eating utensils and cups with people who are sick.
• Stay home when you are sick. If possible, stay home from work, school and errands when you are sick. You will help prevent others from catching your illness.
• Cover your mouth and nose. Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing. It may prevent those around from getting ill.
• Wash your hands. Washing your hands often will help protect you from germs.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs are often spread when a person touches something that is contaminated with germs and then touches his or her eyes, nose or mouth.
• Get plenty of sleep. Most people need at least seven to eight hours of sleep each night.
• Manage stress.
• Exercise regularly.
• Eat well and drink at least eight glasses of water a day.
• Increase your Vitamin C intake, which may boost your immune system, by eating ample amounts of fresh fruits and vegetables. Avoid taking more than 1000 mg. of Vitamin C per day, as too much can cause intestinal discomfort.

Tips on How to Fight the Flu

• See your doctor. Effective prescriptions are available that treat the flu if taken within 48 hours of onset of symptoms.
• Stay hydrated. Drink plenty of water. If you don't feel like drinking water, try diluted fruit juices. Herbal tea with honey may soothe a sore throat.
• Avoid solid foods if you are experiencing nausea and vomiting.
• Take ibuprofen, aspirin or acetaminophen for fever if you are an adult. Do not give children aspirin.
• Use a humidifier or vaporizer if the air is dry. It will help break up any mucus.

Medications

Antiviral drugs are available for treatment of the flu. If taken within 2 days of getting sick, these drugs can reduce the symptoms of the flu and shorten the time you are sick by 1 or 2 days. They also can make you less contagious to others. All of these drugs must be prescribed by a doctor or nurse practitioner and taken for 5 days.