Influenza Virus Information
Influenza Virus Information
With the early arrival of flu season across the country and in North Texas, Tarleton health officials are urging students, faculty and staff to take preventive measures to protect their health.
Cases of influenza are expected to increase throughout the flu season. Because flu can spread by contact with people who are ill, Tarleton health officials recommend that community members take these precautions:
Get a flu shot
A limited number of flu shots are available for $20.00 at the Student Health Center. No appointment required.
Flu shots also are available at local pharmacies, clinics and physician’s offices.
Wash your hands
Wash hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds or use hand sanitizer frequently, especially after touching common surfaces such as door handles.
Cover your mouth
Cover your mouth when coughing or sneezing with either a disposable tissue or a sleeve, and avoid touching your face. Avoid contact with people who are sick. Please get plenty of rest to keep the immune system working at its best.
Monitor your health
Flu symptoms include fever with cough or sore throat, and sometimes runny nose, body aches, headache, vomiting or diarrhea.
On-campus resources:
The Student Health Center is open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Last appointment time is 4:30 p.m. Students should call (254) 968-9271 or visit the Health Center webpage to make an appointment. The Student Health Center is located in Suite 212 of the Thompson Student Center.
After hours options:
Stephenville Medical Surgical Clinic (SMSC)
SMSC provides an after-hours clinic from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Friday and 8 a.m. to noon on Saturday. The number to call is (254) 965-2500. A student can make appointments with surrounding providers in the area by calling their office number. The clinic is located at 150 River North Blvd.
Texas Health Harris Methodist Hospital
The hospital is part of the Texas Health Resources network and is located at 411 North Belknap Street at the intersection of Belknap and Tarleton streets. The number to call is (254) 965-1500
In an emergency, students should always call 911.
Already Sick?
Here's what to do if you are sick with the flu:
Stay home
Students with flu symptoms should stay home. Ill students should limit contact with others who are not sick. Those with flu-like symptoms should not return to class until they no longer have a fever (a temperature of less than 100.5 F) for at least 24 hours without the use of fever-reducing medications.
Inform instructors
Students with the flu should email their professors as soon as possible and let them know they have the flu. Residential students who are ill also may contact their residential leader or residential community director for assistance.
Order meals
Residential students who have the flu may order meals for pickup from Dining Services by contacting Kim Miller at kmiller@tarleton.edu or (254) 968-9445. Roommates and friends picking up the meals must have the ill student’s Tarleton ID card.
Seek medical attention
Students should seek medical attention if they have acute symptoms such as body aches, cough or a fever of more than 100.5. They should talk with a provider about appropriate medicine to treat flu or flu-like symptoms.
If students get worse after being on the medication for three or four days, they should come back to the Health Center to have their lungs rechecked to make sure they have not developed a secondary infection. Those with chronic health conditions, such as asthma, or complications should call the Health Center at (254) 968-9271.