Protect yourself from the flu

Students, faculty and staff are advised that flu cases have risen recently at the university. Because students often live and study in close quarters, it’s especially important to take precautionary measures to limit the spread of flu.

Students, faculty and staff are urged to get their seasonal flu vaccine during regular business hours at ASU health centers. Members of the ASU community can also help limit the spread of flu by heeding these basic hygiene messages:

• Stay home if you are sick. Since flu viruses are easily spread, students are urged to stay home and isolate themselves if they’re sick. Talk to professors about making up coursework if you’re ill. It’s ok to return to classes after you’ve been fever free and off of fever-reducing medication for 24 hours.

• Cough right by covering your cough or sneeze with a tissue or your sleeve, never your hand. Colds and flu spread from the hand, not the mouth.

• Wash hands thoroughly. It’s vitally important to use a 60 percent alcohol-based hand cleaner during cold and flu season, especially after going to the bathroom and before eating. If a hand cleaner is not available, wash hands in warm water for at least 15 seconds or the time it takes to sing Row, Row, Row Your Boat.

For additional information, go to pandemic.asu.edu.