UA email warns of campus flu 'outbreak'

An email sent Thursday warning University of Arkansas at Fayetteville faculty to be wary of flu symptoms describes an ongoing outbreak of the illness on campus.

"As of last Friday, January 23, 7.5% of the visits to Pat Walker Health Center for medical care resulted in a flu diagnosis. According to CDC definition, the campus is now in the status of 'outbreak,'" Provost Sharon Gaber wrote in the message, referring to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Arkansas and most bordering states are experiencing high rates of influenza-like illness, according to the CDC. The organization notes that while flu activity typically peaks between December and February, outbreaks can last until May.

Gaber asked faculty members to encourage students to seek treatment if experiencing flu symptoms such as fever, muscle or body aches, cough and sore throat.

UA spokesman Laura Jacobs said the on-campus health center reported 36 patients were seen Monday and Tuesday with influenza-like symptoms, an increase from 31 patients with similar symptoms seen all of last week.

She said students can still get flu shots for $20 at the on-campus Pat Walker Health Center, noting that the charge can be billed to insurance.

Metro on 01/31/2015

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