Student News

The Wildcats guide to prioritizing health

University of Kentucky “Stay Healthy, Wildcats!” graphic reminding students to wash hands, schedule a UHS appointment if sick, get a flu shot, and clean and sanitize, with blue and teal health icons.
Don’t forget these steps for a healthy and safe semester. Graphic provided.

LEXINGTON, Ky. (Feb. 23, 2026) — It’s important to keep yourself prioritized and make the best of your spring semester at the University of Kentucky. Making sure you’re informed of simple tactics and tips of how to stay healthy during this time should be your No. 1 goal.

Here are some helpful tips on how you can stay healthy:

  1. Wash your hands regularly. Sing the UK fight song (“On, On U of K”) to thoroughly wash germs away and avoid the spread of illness.
  2. Get your flu shot. One of the easiest ways to avoid the flu is to get vaccinated. It's not too late — students can make an appointment with University Health Service for a flu shot. Go online to schedule your appointment.
  3. Sanitize surfaces. There are more germs than you think building up on everyday objects that can cause illness. Be sure to wipe down doorknobs, technology devices and all things that have community-use handles (such as refrigerators and TV remotes). Lysol is your best friend right now.
  4. Stay hydrated. It’s important to be hydrated all the time, but especially when sickness is going around. Using hydration packets is a smart idea to keep your body healthy. 

Still not feeling well? Schedule an appointment with University Health Service. Find additional information at this UHS guide for UK students.

As the state’s flagship, land-grant institution, the University of Kentucky exists to advance the Commonwealth. We do that by preparing the next generation of leaders — placing students at the heart of everything we do — and transforming the lives of Kentuckians through education, research and creative work, service and health care. We pride ourselves on being a catalyst for breakthroughs and a force for healing, a place where ingenuity unfolds. It's all made possible by our people — visionaries, disruptors and pioneers — who make up 200 academic programs, a $476.5 million research and development enterprise and a world-class medical center, all on one campus.