UHC offers walk-in flu shot clinics Oct. 6-20

Walk-in flu vaccination clinics will be held at University Health Center and the East Campus Union The flu shots will be free for UNL students paying facility fees; flu shots for UNL faculty and staff will be $25.

Payment by cash or check is required at the time of vaccination. Insurance claims will be filed for those with Blue Cross Blue Shield insurance for possible reimbursement but payment is still required at the time of injection. No appointment is necessary for the walk-in clinics; flu vaccinations are also available by appointment at the UHC by calling 402-472-5000.

Nasal-spray (FluMist) will be available by appointment only.

The clinics are scheduled at the University Health Center from 9-11 a.m. on the following days:

•Thursday, Oct. 6
•Wednesday, Oct. 12
•Thursday, Oct. 13
•Wednesday, Oct. 19
•Thursday, Oct. 20

The clinics are scheduled at the East Campus Union from 9-11 a.m. (3rd floor- The Loft) on:

•Tuesday, Oct. 11

Influenza, commonly known as the flu, is caused by the influenza virus that infects the respiratory tract. A highly contagious infection of the nose, throat and lungs, the virus is spread from person-to-person when an infected person coughs or sneezes. The flu season in the United States is typically from November through April each year. Flu symptoms include a sudden onset of high fever, chills, a dry cough, headache, runny or stuffy nose, sore throat, extreme fatigue, and muscle and joint pain. Although the term "stomach flu" is often used to describe gastrointestinal illnesses, this is caused by other organisms and is not related to influenza. It is very difficult to distinguish the flu from other infections on the basis of symptoms alone.

Those at risk for complications include people 65 years or older, people with chronic medical conditions (such as asthma, diabetes, or heart disease), pregnant women, and young children. If you do become sick with the flu, follow these guidelines:
•Isolate yourself for at least 24 hours AFTER fever and symptoms are gone - contact your professor if you are unable to attend class
•Wash hands frequently with soap or use hand sanitizers containing ethyl alcohol
•Cover your nose and mouth when coughing or sneezing; cough into your sleeve
•Use tissues to contain secretions; place in separate bag and dispose daily
•Over the counter medications you can take for the following symptoms: fever, aches, pains and chills - take Tylenol (acetaminophen) or Advil (ibuprofen); coughing - use Delsym, Q-Tussin DM or Mucinex; nasal congestion - use Sudafed or other oral decongestant, avoid nasal spray; and sore throat - warm salt water gargle (1/2 tsp salt to 8 oz water)
•Decrease smoking or stop smoking if possible
•Drink six or more glasses of water each day
•Eat and maintain a good diet
•Get adequate rest
•Finish and complete all prescribed medication

The UHC does recommend that you get an influenza vaccination to help fight off the flu, particularly those with asthma, diabetes, chronic illness or respiratory conditions. Protection develops about two weeks after getting the vaccination and may last up to a year. The influenza vaccination will not protect you from other viruses including West Nile.

"The Centers for Disease Control recommends everyone get a flu shot as soon as they become available," said Nathan Haecker, M.D., chief of staff at the UHC. "Your best defense this flu season is to take the time to get a flu shot."

More details at: http://go.unl.edu/zok