Students can be proactive against the flu this season with the help of the TCU Health Center.

The Health Center offered flu vaccinations for faculty, staff and students with a TCU ID in the University Recreation Center on Oct. 14.

“The vaccinations tremendously help to keep the numbers [of cases] down,” Clinical Nursing Director Kelle Tillman said.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website, typical flu activity in the U.S. peaks in January or February, but cases can be found as early as October and as late as May.

Tillman said TCU has not had any confirmed case of the flu this school year yet.

When a sign in posted outside of the Health Center there are vaccinations offered on the premises, Tillman said.

According to the CDC website, it takes two weeks for the flu vaccine to take effect so the earlier one gets the vaccine the earlier they will protected against the virus.

Common symptoms of the flu include: high fever, headaches, extreme tiredness, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, body aches or even diarrhea and vomiting. Only a doctor can diagnosis if someone has the flu due to the difficult nature of the virus.

The flu can lead to a variety of other complications as well. Complications can include dehydration, bacterial pneumonia, sinus problems, ear infections and worsening of chronic medical conditions such as asthma or diabetes.

Flu Vaccinations
Where: University Recreation Center
When: October 14th, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.