By Katie Alsup, Staff Writer
University health officials urge students to take precautions to ensure year-long health as the flu season nears.
There has been no sign of outbreak of flu on campus, said Brenda Johnston, director of student health and disabilities services. Few students show symptoms of the flu, but that’s no reason to not take care of yourself, she said.
“It’s still early in the season,” Johnston said. “Oklahoma’s peak flu season is from mid-February to mid-March.”
There are a few things that the OCU community can do to help keep themselves healthy during this time of the year, she said.
The first thing is to remember that hand washing is very important, Johnston said.
“We think hand sanitizer is a good thing but sometimes people get a false sense of security from it,” she said. “Hand washing for 20 to 30 seconds is ideal.”
Another thing everyone should do is get a flu shot, Johnston said.
The Student Health Clinic has a new supply of flu vaccine ready for students, Johnston said. Flu shots cost $20 for students and $25 for faculty and staff. No appointment is necessary to receive the vaccine, she said.
If students are worried about the flu across Oklahoma this season they can visit Oklahoma State department of Health website to see how the flu is affecting the state, Johnston said.
Sean Crews, religion sophomore, said visiting that website just might be at the top of his list this season.
In the winter your immune system weakens, so it’s important to take care of yourself, he said.
“It’s important to stay healthy no matter the season, but especially this one,” Crews said.
[…] flu prevention tips, see our previous article. Read about the Oklahoma flu outbreak at […]