Between lack of sleep, stress and other factors, students may be more at risk for the flu than they think.

According to Binghamton University Clinical Assistant Professor Rita Bergevin, students should get a yearly flu vaccine, which can be up to 80 percent effective and minimizes symptoms like fever, chills and sore throat.

“This should be done every year around this time,” Bergevin said.

Vaccination provides students with protection from three flu strains that research indicates will cause the most damage during this season. It can also minimize the effects of the illness if a different form of the virus is contracted.

Another way to avoid the illness is to avoid the sources of it. Bergevin suggested staying away from people who are exhibiting symptoms such as sneezing or coughing, as the flu is an airborne illness.

“If you are near someone that has it, there is a high probability you will get it,” she said.

Developing good sleeping habits is another method of prevention. Sleep helps build up the immune system by allowing the body time to build up its defenses. As a result, the body is less susceptible to infection.

“You can run yourself down by staying up late,” said Susannah Gal, an associate professor in biological sciences.

According to Johann Fiore-Conte, administrative director of University Health Services, stress and fatigue are also factors which often predispose students to illness.

“These risk factors are common amongst college students,” Fiore-Conte said.

A combination of exercise and relaxation helps to keep the body in good mental and physical shape, and aids in fighting infection, Gal said. Exercise helps maintain a good level of antibodies, which can help combat the virus.

Relaxation is vital in flu prevention as well, Gal said. When the body is under mental stress the level of antibody-producing cells are reduced and the body is less able to resist infection.

Frequent hand washing is also vital in preventing the spread of the flu, according to Fiore-Conte.

Viruses are resilient and can be transferred through everyday acts such as touching doorknobs or chewing on a pen.

Fiore-Conte suggested covering the mouth and nose with a tissue while coughing or sneezing. She also advised students to discard tissues properly after they are used.

Students, Fiore-Conte said, should also try to keep their fingers away from open passages of the body such as the mouth or nose, because that’s how germs spread.

According to Bergevin, infected people should stay in their rooms.

“You don’t want to make yourself contagious; don’t go to a dining hall or someone else’s room,” Bergevin said. “Going out in public is how it spreads.”

Infected students, Bergevin said, should drink a lot of fluids. Drinking fluids dilutes any viral bacteria in the body and “flushes it out.”

She suggested that students drink two liters a day if they have the flu.

“If you are well hydrated you have a better chance of getting better quicker,” she added. “Prevention is key.”

Flu vaccines are available at University Health Services for $10 a dose with a BU ID. The vaccine is available from 8 to 11 a.m. during walk-in hours, or by appointment during the afternoon.

For more information about the flu or the flu vaccine, contact University Health Services at (607) 777-2221 or the Centers for Disease Control at cdc.gov/flu.