Influenza Updates

Free Seasonal Flu Shots -- October 4 & 11

The UIC College of Pharmacy and the UIC Benefits Service Center have partnered with the Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services to provide seasonal flu shots at no charge to eligible State of Illinois employees and retirees.

State of Illinois employees and retirees enrolled in either the Quality Care Health Plan (QCHP) or State-sponsored managed care plans (HMO) are eligible to receive the seasonal flu shot. (Dependents, spouses, contractual workers, volunteers, consultants, part-time employees not enrolled in a group insurance plan, and students are NOT eligible for the free seasonal flu shots through this program. Employees who have opted out of health insurance coverage through the state are also NOT eligible for the free seasonal flu shots through this program.)

Employees must present their health insurance card from their State-sponsored health plan and verification of University employment (I-Card).
Retirees and survivors must present their State-sponsored health insurance card and a State ID or Drivers License.

The free seasonal flu shots will be given on:

East side of campus:

Tuesday, October 4
9 a.m. - 3 p.m.
Student Center East - Room 302
750 S. Halsted St.

West side of campus:

Tuesday, October 11
9 a.m. - 3 p.m.
Student Center West - Chicago Rooms A & B
828 S. Wolcott St.

Questions regarding the FREE seasonal flu shot program? Contact the UIC Benefits Service Center at (312) 996-6471 or the UIC College of Pharmacy at (312) 996-6300.

About Seasonal Influenza (Flu)

Influenza, also known as the flu, is a contagious disease caused by the influenza virus. It attacks the respiratory tract (nose, throat, and lungs) of humans. The flu is different from a cold or other respiratory infection (bronchitis).

Symptoms of Influenza (Flu)

Influenza comes on suddenly and may include the following symptoms: fever, headache, extreme fatigue (tiredness), sore throat, dry cough, stuffy nose, body aches. These are known as “flu-like” symptoms. Vomiting and diarrhea are NOT typical symptoms of influenza.

How Influenza Spreads

Influenza spreads when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or speaks and sends the flu virus into the air, and other people inhale the virus. Influenza can also spread when a person touches a surface that has the flu virus on it, such as a door knob, telephone receiver, computer keyboard, etc., Influenza can also spread when a person touches a surface that has the flu virus on it, such as a door knob, telephone receiver, computer keyboard, etc. and then touches the nose or eyes.

People infected with the influenza virus can spread the flu starting about one day before they feel sick, and adults can continue to pass the virus for 3 to 7 days after symptoms start. Children can pass the virus for longer than 7 days.

Management of Students or Faculty Exposed to Influenza

Watch for fever (take temperature once a day) and respiratory symptoms for 2-3 days following exposure.
Symptomatic students or faculty should not go to school or work. The influenza virus is highly contagious and is responsible for large outbreaks resulting in cancellation of classes and school closures.
If symptoms develop, rest and drink plenty of liquids. Avoid alcohol and tobacco. Take medications to relieve the symptoms of flu, but avoid aspirin.
If symptoms worsen rather than lessen, contact your personal physician or the Family Medicine Center (996-2901) and tell them you are worried that you have influenza.

Infection Control Recommendations

Get your influenza vaccine! It's safe and effective.
Student or faculty member should stay home: no work, school, day care, public areas.
Cover the mouth and nose with tissue when coughing or sneezing and wash hands with soap and friction rub or use waterless hand hygiene products every time you touch your nose or mouth.
Household/dormitory contacts: hand washing or waterless hand hygiene products (gloves for fluids if possible).
Routine cleaning with soap and hot water. Use household disinfectants (Lysol© or 1:100 diluted bleach) for environmental surfaces.
Household/dormitory waste (e.g. body fluids, tissues, gloves) may be discarded as normal waste.

Note: if you live in a dormitory, please report your illness to the residence hall director.

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