Campus News

Take steps to prevent flu and spread of diseases on campus

Arden Barnes | UK photo.

LEXINGTON, Ky. (Sept. 26, 2022) — College campuses bring people together. Whether you are in a classroom, studying in the library, attending a sporting event or hanging out with roommates in a residence hall, you are surrounded by peers. During flu season this togetherness creates opportunities for respiratory illnesses and the flu to easily spread.

The Centers for Disease Control recommend getting the flu vaccine every year to prevent getting sick and spreading the flu. 

If you haven't already received your flu vaccine, it isn't too late. Students can make an appointment at University Health Service with a nurse to get their vaccine, or attend a campus flu shot clinic on one of the following dates:

  • Well-A-Palooza: Gatton Student Center Barker Plaza, Wednesday, Oct. 12, 3-5 p.m.
  • William T. Young Library Gallery Room: Tuesday, Nov. 15, 5-7 p.m.
  • Gatton Student Center Room 330 AB: Monday, Nov. 28, 11 a.m.-2 p.m.
  • For more information and future flu shot opportunities, you can also go to:  go.uky.edu/flushot.

UK HealthCare employees, UK main campus employees and students can view the UK Retail Pharmacy locations that are offering flu vaccinations at UK PharmacistCare: Point-of-care services. Walk-in appointments are accepted at Kentucky Clinic Pharmacy, Turfland Clinic Pharmacy, University Health Pharmacy, and Fountain Ct. Pharmacy. If you would like to schedule an appointment, please call (859) 562-2018, or email ukhcimmunization@uky.edu for further assistance.

Besides getting your flu shot, other important steps for protecting yourself and others from getting and spreading the flu, both on and off-campus include:

Stay away from other people when you are sick.

·    Stay out of class and away from others as much as possible until your fever is gone for 24 hours without the use of fever-reducing medicine.

·    Get plenty of rest.

·    Wipe down your dorm room with a disinfectant every so often. If your roommate is sick, be sure to wash your hands and face several times throughout the day.

·    Drink clear fluids, such as water, sports drinks, or electrolyte beverages.

·    Acetaminophen or ibuprofen may help reduce fever, headache and body aches.

·    If you have a medical condition or are at high risk for flu complications, be sure to talk to your health care provider.

Keeping your distance from others who are sick.

·    It is important to keep at least six feet between yourself and others to avoid the spread of flu and COVID-19.

·    Avoid sharing eating utensils and dishes with people who are sick.

Cover your coughs and sneezes.

·    Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze.

·    Throw away the used tissue, and then wash your hands.

Wash your hands with soap and warm water.

·    Wash your hands thoroughly and often with soap and warm water.

·    If soap and warm water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol.

·    Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth.

Clean frequently touched objects and surfaces.

·    Clean keyboards, TV remotes, phones, desks and doorknobs often and thoroughly.

·    Studies have shown that the flu virus can survive on surfaces up to 48 hours. 

·    Soap and water are all you need to remove the flu virus.

·    However, you can also use a bleach-and-water solution or disinfectant with a label that says “EPA approved” for killing viruses and bacteria. Always follow directions on product labels.

Be prepared and informed.

·    Be aware of flu outbreaks and their severity in your community and on campus.

·    Pay attention to instructions from your University, your student health center and your local public health department.

Be aware of your risk for other viruses, including COVID-19

  • If you feel any symptoms of COVID-19 or flu, it is important to mask and isolate according to CDC guidelines. For more information on how to protect yourself, including where to get your booster, click here.

At the University of Kentucky, students are at the center of all that we do. From the moment you become a Wildcat through graduation and beyond, the Office for Student Success is committed to supporting you. Comprised of five areas and 25 units, together, they have one vision — to help students live a life of meaning. Student Success works through an equitable, holistic and inclusive lens to design and deliver unparalleled services and support a diverse community of learners in achieving their wildest ambitions. In the Office for Student Success this is what we do — this is who we are. You can explore resources available to you here. If you have additional questions, you can reach a Student Success team member by calling the helpline 859-218-YouK (9685).