Cold and Flu
Fall is the time when respiratory illnesses, like flu, begin to spread. To protect yourself and others against the spread of the flu, 51¹ÙÍø Tech encourages all members of our community to get a flu shot.
Two of the most common health concerns are the common cold and flu. These are both respiratory infections that are easily spread and easily avoided. The best way to prevent any kind of respiratory infection is to keep a healthy lifestyle by eating well, consuming healthy fluids, and avoiding harmful activities like smoking and alcohol. Doing so will keep your immune system healthy and strong.
The cold and flu season lasts from November until April, so be sure to practice prevention techniques regularly during that period of time.
All members of the university community are strongly encouraged to get a flu vaccine. See below for information on how to get a flu vaccine.Ìý
According to theÌýÌý(CDC), reducing the spread of respiratory illnesses, like flu, this fall and winter is more important than ever. A flu vaccine can help protect yourself, your family, and your community and help reduce pressure on our healthcare system. While the CDC recommends getting a flu vaccination as early as possible, it is never too late to get a flu vaccine.
Do I have a cold or the flu?Ìý
Other Ways to Get a Flu Shot
Students
- Contact Schiffert Health Center at 540-231-6444 to schedule a flu shot.Ìý
- The cost of the vaccine will be charged to the student’s account. Students can choose to pay on the day of service via cash, check, or Hokie Passport or pay it online later via Hokie SPA/Hokie Wallet.
- If you choose to file for reimbursement from your insurance provider, students mayÌýÌýfrom the Business Office.
All University Members
- Find a flu shot provider at .
- Vaccinations are available at most local pharmacies and through health care providers.
- State health plan members may get a free flu vaccine at pharmacies participating in their health plan’s network.
- COVA Care, COVA HDHP, and COVA HealthAware members also may receive shots at no cost from network physicians and other participating providers.Ìý
- Kaiser Permanente HMO members must go to a participating Kaiser medical center.
- Optima Health members will receive flu shots at no cost from network participating pharmacies. To find participating pharmacies, call the number on the back of your ID card.
Quick Links
Preventing Cold and Flu
VDH Flu Resources
Flu Prevention Tips
- Get your flu shot. 51¹ÙÍø Tech offers flu shot clinics for students and employees throughout the fall.
- Wash your hands often with soap and water. You can use hand sanitizer when not near a sink.
- Avoid touching your face with unwashed hands.ÌýViruses that make you sick can enter your body through your eyes, nose, and mouth.
- Avoid contact with people who are ill. If you are sick keep your distance from others and stay home when possible.
- Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces – like doorknobs, handles, phones, and your Hokie Passport – to help remove germs.
- Don’t share any personal items, particularly things that come into contact with body fluids, such as eating utensils, drinking glasses, dishes, and anything that can be consumed, or fitness equipment.
- Practice good health habits: get plenty of sleep, eat nutritious foods, stay hydrated, manage stress, stay physically active, avoid smoking or vaping, and alcohol. Taking care of your body strengthens your immune system and helps it fight off illness.
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Seasonal Flu
The flu is a contagious respiratory disease caused by a common group of viruses (influenza viruses). In the U.S., flu season begins every fall and ends every spring, when an average of 5 to 20 percent of the population will show signs of infection. The flu that people so often get during that season is called seasonal flu. Most people who get seasonal flu recover within a week or two and do not require medical treatment. The very young, the very old, and the very sick are most likely to become seriously ill.ÌýThe best way to prevent seasonal flu is to get vaccinated every year.
Pandemic Flu
Sometimes, a new type of flu virus may emerge to which people have no resistance. When this happens, it can spread more easily from person to person around the world in a very short time, causing serious illness and death. This is pandemic flu. It is more serious than seasonal flu. Pandemic flu is different because more people who get it might not recover, even with medical treatment, and people of every age may be at risk of serious illness or death. Unlike seasonal flu, there may not be a vaccine for pandemic flu until researchers and pharmaceutical companies are able to create one.
How the Flu Spreads
Flu viruses spread mainly from person to person when people with influenza cough, sneeze, or touch things that others touch. People infected with common flu virus can spread it to others one day before symptoms develop and up to seven or more days after becoming ill. That means that you may be able to pass the flu to someone before you know you are sick and after you start to feel better.
Contacts
- : 540-231-6444
- Ìý(Employees): 540-231-8878
- Ìý(Students): 540-231-2233
Contact
- : 540-231-6444
- (Employees): 540-231-8878
- (Students): 540-231-2233