Odds are you’ve had the flu at some point in your life. If you haven’t, consider yourself lucky.

What’s the flu?

The flu is a contagious respiratory illness that can be much more severe than a cold. There are a number of symptoms to look out for that may indicate you have the flu, such as:

• fever

• sore throat

• body aches

• headaches

• cough

• runny nose

• fatigue

The flu is a nasty virus that tends to spread quickly in densely populated areas such as university campuses, where thousands of people study, work, and eat together.

So what do you do if you have the flu?

Bad news - there’s no cure for the flu, and medication can only help relieve some of the symptoms. Therefore, we highly recommend you stay home if you have the flu. Remember that the flu is highly contagious, and it’s easy to spread the virus to your classmates, faculty, and staff.

Here are some fun things to do when stuck in bed with the flu:

• study

• catch up on Netflix

• nap

• read for pleasure (what’s that again?)!

• watch Snapchat stories of your friends at events you’re missing out on

• more napping

Okay, I really don’t want to get the flu...what can I do?

Prevention is key, and the best way to avoid the flu is to get the flu shot during late October or early November.

Luckily UBC provides free flu clinics every year for students, faculty, and staff. The clinics are specifically timed to protect you during the peak of flu season. Here’s the schedule for this year:

The Nest
8:00 am – 4:00 pm

• Tuesday, Oct. 31

• Wednesday, Nov. 1

• Tuesday, Nov. 7

Life Sciences Centre
8:00 am – 4:00 pm

• Thursday, Nov. 2

• Thursday, Nov. 9

Residences
3:00 pm - 5:30 pm

• Monday, Oct. 30, Walter Gage

• Wednesday, Nov. 8, Totem Park

• Thursday, Nov. 9, Orchard Commons

• Tuesday, Nov. 14, Place Vanier

Listen, having the flu is not a fun time. You’re going to want to avoid it at all costs. Wash your hands and please… STAY HOME IF YOU GET THE FLU! We’ll all thank you for it!

Have a safe and healthy flu-free season, UBC!