Flu Shots
Flu shots are available at the Health and Wellness Center (Passan Hall first floor) at a cost of $20. Supplies are limited and will be distributed on a first come, first serve basis.
Flu FAQ
How will I receive information about the status of possible flu outbreaks at Wilkes?
Updates will be available internally via the portal and for parents though the Wilkes Web site. The campus emergency message system will be used if classes are canceled or if there is urgent information to report.
What are the symptoms of the flu?
Symptoms of flu include fever or chills and cough or sore throat. Additional symptoms of flu can include runny nose, body aches, headache, tiredness, diarrhea or vomiting.
What is the difference between a cold and the flu?
The flu and the common cold are both respiratory illnesses but they are caused by different viruses. Because these two types of illnesses have similar flu-like symptoms, it can be difficult to tell the difference between them based on symptoms alone. In general, the flu is worse than the common cold, and symptoms such as high fever, body aches; extreme tiredness, and dry cough are more common and intense. Colds are usually milder than the flu. People with colds are more likely to have a runny or stuffy nose. Colds generally do not result in serious health problems, such as pneumonia, bacterial infections, or hospitalizations.
Who is most at-risk for developing the flu?
- Pregnant women
- People who live with and care for children younger than 6 months of age
- People between eh ages of 6 months and 24 years (this includes most of our undergraduate student population)
- Healthcare and emergency medical services personnel
- People ages 25-64 years of age who have chronic health conditions, such as asthma, heart disease or diabetes, or compromised immune systems
What can I do to minimize my risk of contracting the flu?
- Practice good hand hygiene: Wash your hands frequently! In addition to using soap and hot water to wash your hands, ÐÓ°ÉÖ±²¥app is installing alcohol-based hand-sanitizing units in campus buildings and computer labs. Use them to clean your hands as you enter buildings and before and after using computers in laboratories.
- Use good respiratory etiquette: Cough or sneeze into a tissue or into the crook of your arm or shoulder to minimize spread of the virus.
- Get vaccinated for the seasonal flu and for H1N1 strain, especially if you are at risk.
- Frequently clean surfaces in your residence hall room or apartment. This includes doorknobs, refrigerator handles, counters and computer keyboards. Disinfecting wipes are especially good for this.
Is there medication for the flu and how can I get medication for the flu?
We will be able to write prescriptions for Tamiflu. This medication does not cure the flu but can reduce its duration and the severity of symptoms. Students should visit the Health and Wellness Center in Passan Hall to obtain a prescription. Prescriptions also can be obtained from your personal physician.
How long does the flu last?
It is suggested that anyone with flu-like symptoms should stay home or in their residence for seven days or for at least 24 hours after they no long have a fever.