Tips to Help Stop the Spread of Germs and Prevent the Flu
- Get the annual flu shot.
- Wash your hands often. When soap and water are not available, use alcohol-based disposable hand wash or gel sanitizers.
- When coughing or sneezing, cover your mouth and nose with a tissue. If you don't have a tissue, cough or sneeze into your sleeve or elbow, NOT your hands.
- Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
- If you are sick: stay away from other people as much as possible, check-in with your doctor, stay home and get plenty of rest and liquids.
Tips courtesy of the L.A. County Department of Public Health.
Need a Flu Shot?
According to the CDC, influenza flu activity can start as early as October and continue as late as May. Students may book the flu shot by calling Student Health Services (SHS) at 310.338.2881 or book an appointment online through the MyHealth Portal through MyLMU. Additionally, you may contact your primary health provider or the LA County Department of Public Health for information on how you can get a FREE or low-cost flu shot.
Flu Symptoms
Influenza (flu) can cause mild to severe illness, and at times can lead to death. Flu is different from a cold: flu usually comes on suddenly. People who have the flu often feel some or all of these symptoms:
- fever* or feeling feverish/chills
- cough
- sore throat
- runny or stuffy nose
- muscle or body aches
- headaches
- fatigue (tiredness)
- some people may have vomiting and diarrhea, though this is more common in children than adults.
*Note: not everyone with flu will have a fever.
For more information on the similarities and differences between the flu and COVID-19, visit the CDC's Flu and COVID-19 Symptoms.
What should I do if I get sick with the flu?
If you get sick with flu like symptoms, you should:
- Stay home from work, school, travel, shopping, social events and public gatherings
- Wear a face covering at home to keep household members from catching the cold, flu or COVID-19.
- Follow the 4 steps provided in LMU’s Illness, A-Z Index webpage.
People experiencing any of these warning signs should obtain medical care right away:
- Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
- Persistent pain or pressure in the chest or abdomen.
- Persistent dizziness, confusion, inability to arouse
- Seizures
- Not urinating
- Severe muscle pain
- Severe weakness or unsteadiness
- Fever or cough that improve but then return or worsen
- Worsening of chronic medical conditions
This list is not all inclusive. Please consult your medical provider for any other symptom that is severe or concerning.
Influenza Prevention: Tips for Travelers
- Travel only when you feel well. Ideally, you should stay home until you’ve been fever-free for 24 hours without the use of fever-reducing medicine.
- The flu vaccine used in the Northern Hemisphere usually protects against the main viruses that have been circulating in other parts of the world.
- People should get vaccinated at least 2 weeks before travel because it takes 2 weeks for vaccine immunity to develop after vaccination.
- Keep in mind that influenza vaccine manufactured for the upcoming or current season usually expires the following June. After June, flu vaccines are usually not available in the U.S. until the influenza vaccine for the next season is produced and made available in the fall.
- After your trip, closely monitor your health for 7 days. If you become ill with flu symptoms, seek medical attention if they are severe.
Tips courtesy of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).