By Erica Noonan
*Tomera Sheets contributed to this article

With homecoming excitement rapidly approaching, it’s easy for students to forget about protecting themselves from the upcoming flu season.

University Health and Counseling Services will be hosting the annual Wellness Fair today from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the Hamilton Room in the University Center.

At the Wellness Fair, attendees will receive helpful tips on how to maintain a healthy lifestyle as well as community service opportunities from True Laser, Mercy Sports Medicine, Fort Healthcare and many other local businesses.

Also included in the event, UW-Dining Services will be exhibiting ways to implement a healthy diet into student life and UW-Whitewater Recreational Sports and Facilities will advocate active lifestyles.

Along with the Wellness Fair, UHCS’s website also offers important information allowing students to stay alert and up-to-date on current health issues in an attempt to help students maintain healthy lifestyles.

The UHCS provides an online newsletter titled “Student Health 101,” geared specifically towards UW-Whitewater students.

“‘Student Health 101’ is a reliable way for UHCS to relay beneficial health information to students,” Director of Health Services Ruth Swisher said.

One of the most effective forms of protection against the flu virus is to get the flu vaccination. Swisher said it is fairly common for UW-Whitewater students to get vaccinated at the University Health Center, and also said it is “socially appropriate” to get the vaccination.

The university is also offering flu vaccinations on Oct. 25 and 26 from 8 a.m. until noon at the University Health Center. More information will be available at the Wellness Fair.

Avoiding the flu can be as easy as practicing standard cleanliness, including covering your nose and mouth with a tissue when you sneeze or cough and continuos hand washing. Carrying hand sanitizer is another way to help stop the spread of germs.

When asked how he stays healthy during flu season, sophomore Colton Fude said, “I take Vitamin C everyday and use hand sanitizer frequently.”

Sophomore Madison McCarthy is also an advocate for maintaining healthy habits.

“Stay away from people that are sick,” McCarthy said. “Drink lots of liquids like water and orange juice.”

Visit the University Health Center or uhcs.com for more information about flu prevention.