Protect Yourself
Important Tips for Avoiding the Flu
University of the Pacific has guidelines that it would like everyone to practice to prevent getting or spreading the flu this season.
Anyone with flu symptoms should stay home until the fever has been gone for 24 hours. Faculty and supervisors should make special arrangements for those who miss classes or work.
Flu viruses spread mainly person-to-person through coughing or sneezing. A person may shed the influenza virus 1 day before getting sick and up to 5 to 7 days after. There are a few simple things you can do to avoid getting the flu.
1. Avoid close contact.
Avoid close contact with people who are sick. When you are sick, keep your distance from others to protect them from getting sick too.
2. Stay home when you are sick.
If possible, stay home from work, school, and errands when you are sick. You will help prevent others from catching your illness.
3. Cover your mouth and nose.
Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing. It may prevent those around you from getting sick.
4. Clean your hands.
Washing your hands often will help protect you from germs.
5. Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth.
Germs are often spread when a person touches something that is contaminated with germs and then touches his or her eyes, nose, or mouth.Get the flu and H1N1 vaccines. Vaccines for H1N1 are slowly being distributed. Cowell Wellness Center has the H1N1 vaccine on order and expects our shipment to arrive in the next few weeks.
6. Practice healthy habits.
· Stay hydrated. Drink lots of fluids - hot and cold.
· Get out in open space and avoid groups of people.
· Keep fit. Be sure to exercise at least 30 minutes almost every day.
· Be sure to get enough Vitamin D, especially when the number of hours of daylight decreases.
· Eat your greens, blues and oranges (not just M&Ms!). Foods with these colors have immune boosting phytochemicals.
· Don't smoke.
· Limit alcohol since it can depress your immune system.
· Get plenty of rest.
The University also has 
released a memo to faculty, staff and students on all three campuses detailing the steps being taken to minimize the impact of H1N1 at Pacific.
In that memo is a plan to provide free flu shots to all employees and students on all three campuses later in the fall.
Please check this page regularly for updates on when that will happen.
