Auburn's campus has seen a rapid increase in confirmed influenza cases, as seen by the growing attendance each day at the University's Medical Clinic.
According to the University Medical Clinic's nursing station, they've been tending to students with appointments each day, as well as walk-ins.
"We can get you in the day that you’re here. We try not to turn anyone away and the flu is definitely going around."
The nurse said new cases of the flu have been confirmed each day over the past week, though she's unsure of the exact amount of confirmed influenza cases.
"I’m not sure how many cases we have had. It started last week and I know that every single day we’ve had positive cases."
Though there is an influx in people coming down with the flu over this past week, the nurse said they've gotten to each patient in varying times depending on the time of day and other special circumstances.
"It all depends on when you come in and what’s going on. We don’t know if somebody’s going to have an emergency or not. Usually we have people in and out of here within an hour."
Despite the increase in confirmed cases on campus, the Foy Desk in the University Student Center said the City of Auburn itself has not reported any overwhelming amount of influenza cases.
"Auburn Alabama, according to the ADPH (The Alabama Department of Health), Lee County is an area with no significant flu reported. That means that there’s no reports of influenza-like data and no positive influenza specimens from the previous three weeks."
Eric Smith, health promotion and wellness services director, said given the increase in students falling ill with illnesses including but not limited to the flu, he encourages students to take extra measures to ensure they stay healthy.
"Wash hands regularly and carry hand sanitizer, avoid eating and drinking after people," Smith said. "If you lend you pen or other belonging to someone, clean it with hand sanitizer before using yourself."
Smith offered other health-preservation tips and said taking immune boosting vitamins, such as Airborne can help fight against the flu as well.
"Avoid touching your face, mouth and eyes," Smith said. "And cover mouth and nose when you sneeze please."
Smith said the Center for Disease Control and Prevention suggests you make flu vaccinations a yearly habit.
"According to CDC.gov, 'the single best way to prevent seasonal flu is to get vaccinated each year, but good health habits like covering your cough and washing your hands often can help stop the spread of germs and prevent respiratory illnesses like the flu,'" Smith said.
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