Students with sudden fever, body aches, and coughs are advised to stay home and out of the classroom where they can infect others.

Student Health Services Coordinator Sharon Manakas said that the health center has already seen eight students so far this semester come through the doors with the same flu-like symptoms.

“To decrease the flu exposure to our college community, it is imperative that students, faculty, and staff stay home until they have been without fever for 24 hours,” said Manakas in an email interview.

Manakas advises all to be aware and take precautions whether they have the bug yet or not.

“Prevention is key,” said Manakas in an email interview.

She advises those without flu to take careful precautions before they get it.

“We are also encouraging everyone to get a flu shot if they have not done so already, and practice good hygiene: hand washing, coughing/sneezing in their sleeves, not sharing eating/drinking utensils,” said Manakas.

Those who are looking to get shots, though, should know that the Student Health Center ran out of them effective Oct., 2012, and is no longer carrying them, which means people will have to look elsewhere.

“Usually we are out of the vaccine within several weeks, but it continues to be offered in the community,” said Manakas.

Manakas compiled a guide that tells students where they can find information on how to avoid getting the flu, what the signs and symptoms are, and what students should do if they contract the flu.

This guide can be found under “health alerts” on the health services website; http://www.moorparkcollege.edu/services_for_students/health_center/healt_alerts.shtml.

Along with these tips, there is also a document accessible on any students MyVCCCD portal, under campus announcements, entitled “Flu Season,” listing where vaccines are currently available in the Ventura community.

Some of these locations include Public Health Clinics, Ambulatory care clinics, and even local Pharmacies.

Students can find more details on the locations that offer vaccines as well as their operating times on the student portal. They are also advised, by Mankas, to touch base with their instructors if they have been infected by the flu.

“Students should be aware of the signs and symptoms of the flu. If they have a fever they should stay home, email their instructors… and ask what they can do to make up work,” said Manakas. “Ultimately, I believe faculty is willing to work with students in these situations.”

Students, faculty, and staff who may have questions or further concerns about the flu can email Sharon Manakas at [email protected].