Here’s what you need to know to prevent from getting sick, recover if you are sick, and when to call UHS. 

Avoid Getting Sick 

• Get your flu vaccine. This is one of the best ways to prevent getting sick. You can get your vaccine at pharmacies throughout the community. Visit vaccines.gov to find a location near you. 

• Wash your hands often. Use with soap and warm water, washing for at least 20 seconds after using the bathroom and before handling food.  

• Avoid close contact with people who are sick. Try to keep your distance from those who are sick, like roommates and classmates. 

• Get fresh air. Better air circulation can reduce your risk of exposure to viruses. Crack a window on warmer days or get outside for a walk. 

Recover When You’re Sick 

• Stay home if you have a fever and for 24 hours after your fever resolves. 

• Wear a mask around others if you are coughing. 

• Get extra rest to allow your body to recover. 

For a cough or sore throat… 

• Drink hot tea with honey 

• Use cough drops 

• Gargle warm salt water 

• Take Acetaminophen (Tylenol) or Ibuprofen (Advil) to alleviate discomfort 

For a stuffy nose… 

• Take steamy shower or use a humidifier 

• Take pseudoephedrine (Sudafed) to reduce congestion 

• Use a saline nasal spray or rinse (neti pot) 

When to Call UHS 

Calling UHS directly helps you get the right care at the right time. In addition to helping you schedule an appointment, our staff can give you advice on how to care for yourself. If you’re experiencing any of the following symptoms, give us a call at 608-265-5600. 

• Fever higher than 101 degrees Fahrenheit or 38.3 degrees Celsius  

• Cough that is painful, getting worse, or lasts longer than 2 weeks 

• Sore throat lasting longer than 3 days or making it difficult to swallow 

This fall, University Health Services (UHS), in partnership with VaxPro, administered 19, 207 flu shots to students and employees, a four percent increase in flu shot immunizations from 2020.

“I’m very proud that so many students and employees received their annual flu shot in an effort to help keep our campus community healthy,” says Dr. Aruna Josyula, UHS director of Medical Services. “Now, more than ever, vaccines are an important tool for us to help mitigate the spread of communicable diseases.”

UHS hosted more than 20 vaccine clinics from September to December in locations across campus.

The Alana’s Foundation was founded in 2009 in memory of Alana Yaksich, who died of influenza in 2003 at the age of 5. Alana’s Foundation aims to prevent deaths caused by influenza.

“The Alana Yaksich National College/University Flu Vaccination Challenge is an important tool to help raise flu vaccination rates among the 18 to 25-year-old population, who typically have one of the lowest vaccination rates,” says Zachary Yaksich, Alana’s father.  “Consistent participation from national universities, like the University of Wisconsin-Madison, is critical for the success of the competition as well as increasing awareness and immunization rates among the vulnerable college population.”

Adenoviruses usually spread from infected people to others through close personal contact—such as touching or shaking hands, sharing cups, utensils, or vape pens, and airborne viruses from coughing or sneezing, or touching objects or surfaces with adenoviruses on them and then touching your mouth, nose, or eyes.

Tips to protect yourself and others from an adenovirus infection:

• Wash hands often with soap and water
• Don’t share cups, chapstick, utensils, or vape pens
• Avoid touching eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands
• Avoid close contact with people who are sick
• Stay home when sick
• Cover mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing, or cough or sneeze into your elbow

If you have symptoms and your condition worsens where you experience trouble breathing or cannot keep up with drinking fluids, see a provider immediately. If you are unsure of your condition, call UHS at 608-265-5600 (option 1) to speak to a nurse.