Flu Shots

Getting a flu shot can help keep you healthy and active during the cold winter months of flu season and protect your loved ones (children and elderly) who might become very ill from influenza. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, between 5% and 20% of the U.S. population contracts the flu each year. This year vaccination is recommended against both seasonal and H1N1 influenza, but the vaccine is not yet available for H1N1. The information below pertains to seasonal flu vaccinations.

Health System

Flu shots are provided free of charge to: UMHS employees, medical students and volunteers

Ann Arbor Campus

Flu shots are available (fee may be charged) at several U-M Ann Arbor campus flu shot clinics:

University Health Service flu shot clinics

Michigan Visiting Nurses campus clinics

Flint and Dearborn Campuses

See information under public flu shot resources.

Public Flu Shot Resources

You can also get a flu shot from your personal physician or at a community flu shot clinic. In most cases, the cost will be covered by your personal health insurance. Use the following links to locate a flu shot clinic near you:

Michigan Visiting Nurses community flu shot clinics

Flu Clinic Locator from the American Lung Association

If you do come down with a cold or the flu, help stop the spread of germs by:

Covering your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze
If you don’t have a tissue, cough or sneeze into your upper sleeve, not your hands
Put your used tissue in the waste basket.
Clean your hands after coughing or sneezing by washing with soap and water, or using an alcohol-based hand cleaner

Source: CDC

What happens if you do get the flu?

The CDC recommends self isolation until 24 hours after you are free of fever. Typically that will be 3-5 days. Staying home will keep you from getting others sick and will speed your recovery.

Flu treatments won't cure the flu or swine flu, but there are medications and home remedies you can take to relieve common flu symptoms such as fever, aches, fatigue and congestion.

An appropriate over-the-counter pain reliever may be helpful.
Multi-symptom cough medicines or those with an expectorant may help with a nagging cough and chest congestion.
Decongestants may help with nasal congestion. Or try a Neti pot for nasal saline irrigation. A Neti pot is a ceramic container that looks like a genie's magic lamp and is available at most natural food stores. You can also make or purchase saline nasal sprays.
Drink lots of liquids for a sore throat and gargle with salt water (if your sore throat persists, see your doctor, you could have strep throat).
Keep sugar-free hard candy or cough drops near by to calm an irritated throat. A teaspoon of honey can help your irritated throat too.