Influenza prevention
Influenza is thought to spread by contact with respiratory droplets. Therefore, students, faculty and staff can reduce their risk for contracting and spreading these infections by getting a yearly flu shot and practicing good hygeine.
Free flu vaccines still available for students at DSHSC
The New York State Department of Health has announced that the influenza activity level is categorized as geographically widespread in the state. The Decker Student Health Services (DSHSC) is also seeing many students who are testing positive for this infection, which is unusual for this early in the flu season. It's not too late to get a flu shot, thus significantly reducing your chance of contracting influenza or its complications.
The campus community is urged to get a flu shot as soon as possible. While supplies last, flu shots are available to students at the DSHSC and are free of charge. Students may schedule an appointment to receive a flu shot at health services by following these instructions:
- Sign in to the student health patient portal using your Binghamton University username and password
- Go to the “Appts” tab.
- Select the clinic “Influenza Vaccine Clinic.”
- Choose the appointment reason “Influenza Vaccine Appointment.”
These appointments are in-person, and check-in occurs at the testing window OUTSIDE THE HEALTH SERVICES BUILDING and down the stairs to the far end of the parking lot (southeast end of the building). The vaccines will be given inside the building, so wear a mask.
Faculty and staff can find many locations in the community still giving flu shots.
Other precautions to take:
- Regularly washing your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
- Avoiding touching your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands.
- Avoiding close contact with people who are sick.
- Staying home when you are sick.
- Covering your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throwing the tissue in the trash.
- Cleaning and disinfecting frequently touched objects and surfaces.
People with the flu should not go out in public, other than to seek medical care, until their temperature is less than 100° for 24 hours.
For more information on influenza, visit the CDC website.
