Pat Walker Health Center staff are seeing a sharp increase in the number of flu cases on campus.

These are steps you can take to protect yourself and others:

  • Get the flu vaccine – it is not too late!  Anyone who hasn’t received the flu vaccine is encouraged to get a flu shot. The health center has partnered with the Washington County Health Unit to offer a flu vaccine clinic. The clinic will be held from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Feb. 8 in the Arkansas Union. Please bring your insurance card if you have one. Can’t make this clinic? The health center’s immunization clinic still has a limited number of flu shots available. To schedule your flu shot, call 479-575-7723.
  •  Avoid sick people and large crowds. Wash your hands often and avoid touching your eyes and nose.
  • Seek medical treatment if you are experiencing flu-like symptoms (sudden onset of fever, headache, body aches and cough).
  • Practice good respiratory hygiene to avoid spreading the flu. Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze.

The health center is advising students who have a fever and flu-like symptoms to stay home and out of class until they are fever free for 24 hours without the use of fever-reducing medication. This will help slow the spread of the virus in our community.

Digital thermometers and sanitary masks are available at the front desk of the residence halls for your use.

Students who are diagnosed with the flu are advised to email their instructors to inform them of their absence from class. The health center and the Dean of Students do not provide class excuses, so it is important students proactively inform their professors.

 To schedule an appointment or if you have any questions, contact the Pat Walker Health Center at 479-575-4451 or visit health.uark.edu.

 For more information on influenza, go to https://www.cdc.gov/flu/