Student Health and Wellness

• Get Vaccinated. Flu shots are available at Student Health and Wellness and are free of charge to Storrs students.
• Have good respiratory etiquette – cough and sneeze into tissues, your arm or elbow, not into your hands.
• Practice good hand hygiene – wash hands often with soap and water or use an alcohol based hand sanitizer.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose – this can spread the virus from an infected surface to you.
• Stay healthy – get plenty of sleep; exercise appropriately; manage your stress; eat nutritious foods; and drink plenty of liquids.
• Be knowledgeable – symptoms of the flu include fever, muscle aches, headache, cough and runny nose. If you have these symptoms, please call the Student Health and Wellness Advice Nurse (860-486-4700: option #1). Students with underlying medical conditions such as asthma are at increased risk of complications from the flu. Call us. We can help.
• Avoid contact with others if you are ill – Self-isolate: stay home from work or school if you are ill. Only return when you have been symptom free for 24 hours.

Symptoms of the flu include:

• Fever
• Muscle aches
• Headache
• Scratchy sore throat
• Cough
• Runny nose

If you have these symptoms and have questions about how to manage them, please consult a healthcare provider. If you have an underlying medical condition such as asthma, you are at increased risk of complications from the flu. 

UConn students at the Storrs campus may call the Student Health and Wellness Advice Nurse at (860) 486-4700, option #1. Calling the Advice Nurse first may give you all the self-care information you need without having to visit. The Advice Nurse is available by phone 24 hours a day during the academic year.

Students at regional campuses as well as faculty and staff are advised to contact their regular health care provider.

If you do become ill:

• Student Health and Wellness recommends all students who become ill go home to rest and recover to prevent the spread of illness on campus. If you can't get home, self isolate in your room to avoid getting others sick.
• Rest at home until you are fever free for at least 24 hours without medication (for flu like symptoms) or stay home until you are feeling better (for severe diarrhea and vomiting). If you can't get home, stay in your room to avoid contact with others.
• Drink plenty of water and other clear liquids to prevent fluid loss (dehydration). Sick people with the flu need to drink extra fluids to keep from getting dehydrated. Avoid alcohol or drinks with caffeine in them such as soda, tea, energy drinks and coffee.
• Treat fever with medicines you can buy at the store such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen. Use these medications according to the package directions. Don't drink alcohol and take medicine.
• If you have a sore throat, gargle with salt water 3-4 times a day (mix a teaspoon of salt in a cup of warm water). You can also suck on ice chips or frozen popsicles to numb your throat.

• In general, if have a high fever, difficulty breathing, chest pain, persistent vomiting, severe diarrhea or dehydration, see immediate medical attention. If necessary, dial 911 and go to the ER.
• If you get very sick or are pregnant or have a medical condition that puts you at higher risk of flu complications (like asthma, diabetes, heart disease, cancer, HIV or AIDS), call your doctor. You might need antiviral medicine to treat flu.