Flu Information for the UCSD Community

Last updated February 15, 2013 9:16:50 AM PST

Give more feedback

Get tips on reducing the spread of seasonal flu (influenza).

2012-2013 seasonal flu vaccine information

The seasonal flu vaccine protects against 3 influenza viruses that research indicates will be most common during the upcoming season. This year’s vaccine will protect against 2009 H1N1 (swine flu), and 2 other influenza viruses (an H3N2 virus and an influenza B virus). The viruses in the vaccine change each year based on international surveillance and scientists' estimations about which types and strains of viruses will circulate in a given year.

While the H1N1 virus used to make the 2012-2013 flu vaccine is the same virus that was included in the 2011-2012 vaccine, the recommended influenza H3N2 and B vaccine viruses are different from those in the 2011-2012 influenza vaccine for the Northern Hemisphere.

About 2 weeks after vaccination, antibodies that provide protection against influenza virus infection develop in the body.

Flu shots are recommended for everyone this year

The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) recommends everyone 6 months of age and older to receive the seasonal flu vaccination. In February 2010, CDC's Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) voted in favor of "universal" influenza vaccination in the United States to protect as many people as possible against the flu. Options for getting a flu shot are described below.

Faculty and staff enrolled in UC-sponsored health plans

Contact your individual health care provider for availability and instructions on getting immunized to protect yourself from seasonal flu.

Student vaccinations

See Immunizations at Student Health Service.

Find a public flu shot clinic

See the UCSD Health System Immunization Care Clinics schedule.
Find a nearby flu shot clinic courtesy of the San Diego Immunization Branch.
Check at local supermarkets or drug stores for public flu shot clinics.

Other ways to reduce the spread of flu

Don't spread germs:
- Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
- Wash your hands often with soap and warm water.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth.
- Cover your mouth and nose when you sneeze or cough.
- Post these printout in your workplace:
- Read What You Should Know for the 2012-2013 Influenza Season.
Practice good health habits:
- Get plenty of sleep.
- Be physically active.
- Manage your stress.
- Drink plenty of fluids.
- Eat nutritious food.

Learn to recognize common flu symptoms

High fever (102° – 104°F)
Headache
General aches and pains
Extreme tiredness
Chest discomfort or cough
Runny or stuffy nose
Nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea (more common among children than adults)
- Review the CDC's Seasonal Influenza (Flu) web page for more information.

What to do if you get sick

Stay home and avoid contact with other people except to get medical care.
Rest, drink plenty of fluids, and check with a health care provider, as needed.
Some people are more likely to get flu complications (for example young children, people 65 and older, people with asthma, diabetes, or pregnant women); they should talk to a health care provider about whether they need to be examined if they get flu symptoms. Also, it's possible for healthy people to develop severe illness from the flu, so anyone concerned about their illness should consult a health care provider.
Refer to the CDC The Flu: What To Do If You Get Sick web page for more information.

Additional resources

Posters

Handouts

CDC documents:

Contacts

Faculty and staff: Contact your doctor or medical professional.
Students: Contact Student Health Service, (858) 534-3300.

Note: This page has a friendly link that's easy to remember: http://blink.ucsd.edu/go/flu