Get ready for flu season

University Park, Pa. -- Fall marks the beginning of flu season in Central Pennsylvania and University Health Services (UHS) encourages Penn State students to get ready. UHS will offer flu shots by appointment from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 22; from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 23; from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 28  and from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 29.
 
Students can schedule their appointment online at http://www.sa.psu.edu/uhs/basics/online_access.cfm or by calling the UHS appointment line at (814)863-0774.
 
The risk of contracting the flu is high in a university environment where contact with many individuals is inevitable. Proper nutrition, adequate rest and frequent handwashing can help prevent illness due to influenza and other infectious disease. Proper disposal of facial tissues and covering the mouth and nose when sneezing can also decrease the chance of infection. Sharing personal items (such as toothbrushes or drinks) can spread influenza and should be avoided. Immunization against the flu can also lessen the chances of infection.
 
For additional information about avoiding the flu this season, visit the UHS Web site at www.sa.psu.edu/uhs or the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention at http://www.cdc.gov/flu. Additional information and resources on good hand hygiene are available at www.sa.psu.edu/uhs/ohpe/handwashing.cfm.