Seasonal Flu Information

Seasonal Flu Vaccination Clinics

Cost: Flu shot is $15 and nasal spray vaccine is $20.50, payable by check, cash or credit card at time of service. Current KU students are eligible to be billed for this service. KU employees covered by the State of Kansas Blue Cross/Blue Shield health insurance plan can request a receipt and claim form to submit to Blue Cross to receive reimbursement for the vaccination.

When & Where: Clinics have been scheduled for 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Oct. 20, 21, 27 and 28 at Watkins Memorial Health Center.

Who: Flu shots are offered to only KU students, faculty, staff and retirees ages 18 and over. The nasal spray vaccine is available for those ages 9 through 49 only. To reduce your wait time at the seasonal flu clinic, download these forms and fill them out beforehand.

What You Need To Know About the Inactivated Influenza Vaccine (flu shot)

What You Need To Know About the Intranasal Influenza Vaccine (nasal spray)

Patient Information and Consent Form for the Flu Shot

Patient Information and Consent Form for the Nasal Spray

KU Employees

For University of Kansas employees covered under the State of Kansas health plans, flu shots (including shots for the H1N1 flu) are covered in full as preventative by Plans A, B and C when using network providers. Student Health Services is a network provider for Blue Cross and Blue Shield only and not the other health plans. Employees with BC/BS coverage can receive a statement provided by Student Health Services to submit the charges themselves for personal reimbursement.

Faculty and staff enrolled in the State of Kansas health plans are also entitled to use the free seasonal flu shot clinics being hosted by KHPA. Questions regarding these clinics may be directed to benefits@khpa.ks.gov.

H1N1 Information for State Employees from the Kansas Department of Health and Environment

Seasonal Flu Useful Information

Should I See A Doctor?

Flu-Like Illness FAQ's

What If I Think I Have The Flu?

If you are experiencing mild flu-like symptoms, we recommend that you stay home and call Student Health Services at (785) 864-9583. KU students who have flu-like symptoms are asked to either go home, if possible, or isolate themselves until they are well. CDC recommends that you stay home for at least 24 hours after your fever is gone except to get medical care or for other necessities. (Your fever should be gone without the use of a fever-reducing medicine.)

If you have the flu, try some of the following tips to relieve to relieve symptoms and ease discomfort:

• Take an over-the-counter medicine (such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen) for muscle aches and/or fever.
• Use an over-the-counter saline nasal spray to restore moisture to the membranes.
• Use a cool-mist vaporizer in your room.
• Drink plenty of fluids including water, juice, and broth (but not milk). Liquids can soothe a dry throat and keep mucus thin.
• Consume chicken soup. It also helps clear mucus.
• Take Echinacea and/or Vitamin C as advised by your health care provider.
• Rest as much as needed. Never exercise when you have a fever or are extremely tired.
• Don’t smoke or drink alcohol – your recovery may take longer if you do.
• Gargle to relieve a sore throat and swelling. Mix ¼ teaspoon of salt with 6 ounces of warm water. Sucking on lozenges or hard candy may give relief too.
• Use a cough expectorant, if necessary, to help you cough up mucus. Use a cough suppressant only if your coughing keeps you from sleeping.
• If your flu-like symptoms improve but then return with fever and worse cough, call Student Health Services or your medical provider immediately.

Prevention Tips

The best way to prevent the flu this season is to get both the H1N1 and seasonal flu vaccines. You can also take these everyday actions to protect yourself and others from getting the flu:

• Wash your hands often with soap and water. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
• Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth. Germs spread this way.
• Try to avoid close contact with people who are ill.
• Don’t share food or drinks.
• Keep healthy by getting plenty of sleep, managing stress, exercising, drinking lots of fluids and eating nutritious food.

Do I Have A COLD Or The FLU?