It is the middle of influenza season at Southern Methodist University and the Health Center has issued a warning to all students, faculty and staff.

College campuses are one of the most susceptible places to spread the illness and SMU wants to prevent as many cases of the flu as possible.

Symptoms of the flu generally include a fever with a cough or sore throat, a runny nose, body aches, headache, vomiting or diarrhea.

The Health Center recommends that any faculty members, staff or students with symptoms of the flu should stay home and should have limited contact with others who are not sick.

Persons with flu-like symptoms should not return to class or work for at least 24 hours after the fever has broken.

In order to avoid the flu, the Health Center recommends that all students and faculty get a flu shot. Immunization Clinics will be held on Tuesdays from 1:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. and on Wednesdays from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. The cost of the flu vaccine is $25.

Other tips to avoid the flu include washing your hands regularly, covering your cough with your elbow or sleeve and avoid touching your face.

For more information on flu prevention and care visit smu.edu/healthcenter.