UMass Boston

Flu is a contagious respiratory illness that can spread quickly in college communities. Getting vaccinated each year, staying home when you're sick, and taking steps to reduce the spread of respiratory viruses can help protect you and those around you.

Get Your Flu Vaccine

The best way to reduce your risk of flu and serious flu complications is to get vaccinated each year. The CDC recommends annual flu vaccination for everyone 6 months and older, with rare exceptions.

For most people, September or October is a good time to get vaccinated. Flu vaccination should continue throughout the flu season as long as flu viruses are circulating.

Flu Vaccines at UMass Boston

UHS typically offers annual seasonal flu and COVID vaccination mobile clinics for students, staff and faculty each fall semester.

View Upcoming Vaccine Mobile Clinics & Registration Information

Students can also schedule a flu vaccine through My Health Beacon Portal or call UHS General Medicine at (617) 287-5660.

Getting Vaccinated Off Campus

Flu vaccines are also available through many: 

• Pharmacies
• Primary care providers
• Community health centers

Find a Flu Vaccine Near You

Understanding the Flu

Flu is caused by influenza viruses that can affect the nose, throat, and lungs. Symptoms often begin suddenly and can range from mild to severe.

Common Flu Symptoms

Symptoms may include: 

• Fever or feeling feverish
• Chills
• Cough
• Sore throat
• Runny or stuffy nose
• Muscle or body aches
• Headache
• Fatigue
• Vomiting or diarrhea, which is more common in children than adults

Not everyone with flu will have a fever.

Learn More About Flu Symptoms from the CDC

How Flu Spreads

Flu spreads primarily through respiratory droplets when someone with flu coughs, sneezes, or talks. Less commonly, a person can become infected by touching a surface contaminated with the virus and then touching their mouth, nose, or eyes.

People with flu are often most contagious during the first three days of illness, but they can spread the virus beginning about one day before symptoms develop and for several days after becoming sick.

Help Prevent the Spread

• Stay home when you're sick.
• Wash your hands regularly.
• Cover coughs and sneezes.
• Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
• Improve ventilation and airflow when possible.
• Consider wearing a well-fitting mask when you are sick or around people at higher risk for severe illness.
• Clean frequently touched surfaces regularly. 

If You Get Sick

Most people with mild flu can recover at home with rest, fluids, and symptom-relieving medications.

Stay Home When You're Sick

If you have a respiratory illness, stay home and away from others until:

• Your symptoms are getting better overall, and
• You have been fever-free for at least 24 hours without using fever-reducing medication.

When you return to your normal activities, take additional precautions for the next 5 days, such as improving airflow, wearing a well-fitting mask, practicing good hand hygiene, and keeping some distance from others when possible.

When to Contact UHS

Contact UHS General Medicine's 24/7 Line at (617) 287-5660 if:

• Your symptoms are getting worse or are not improving.
• You are concerned about your symptoms.
• You are at higher risk for serious flu complications.
• You want to discuss whether antiviral treatment may be appropriate.

People at higher risk for serious flu complications include people who are pregnant and people with certain chronic health conditions, including asthma, diabetes, and heart disease.

Make a General Medicine Appointment

When to Seek Emergency Care

Seek emergency medical care or call 911 for severe or life-threatening symptoms.

Emergency warning signs in adults include:

• Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
• Persistent pain or pressure in the chest or abdomen
• Persistent dizziness, confusion, or difficulty waking
• Seizures
• Severe muscle pain
• Severe weakness or unsteadiness
• Not urinating or other signs of severe dehydration
• Symptoms that improve and then return or worsen
• Worsening of an existing chronic medical condition

Learn More About Flu Emergency Warning Signs from the CDC

Flu Prevention in Residence Halls & Shared Spaces

Living with roommates and spending time in shared spaces can make it easier for respiratory viruses to spread.

If you are sick:

• Stay in your room or another private space when possible.
• Avoid shared meals and crowded spaces while you are sick.
• Wear a well-fitting mask when you need to be around others.
• Improve airflow by opening windows or using available ventilation when possible.
• Avoid sharing food, drinks, towels, or other personal items.
• Follow current campus and public health guidance.

If your roommate or someone you live with is sick:

• Monitor yourself for symptoms.
• Improve airflow in shared spaces when possible.
• Wash your hands regularly.
• Consider wearing a well-fitting mask, especially if you or someone around you is at higher risk for severe illness.
• Give the person who is sick space to rest and recover.

For the most current guidance about staying home and returning to normal activities, see the CDC's respiratory virus guidance. 

Flu Kits & Health Supplies

UHS provides flu kits during flu season while supplies last. Kits may include items such as thermometers, tissues, hand sanitizer, and other supplies to help you manage mild illness.

Flu kits are available at the UHS General Medicine Front Desk in the Quinn Administration Building, 2nd Floor.

Explore UHS Health & Wellness Resources

Frequently Asked Questions