Flu cases are surging early this year. In Los Angeles, current influenza wastewater levels are about where they were last December, coming almost two months earlier.

Vice President and Chief Campus Health Officer Dr. Sarah Van Orman, said surveillance systems, for metrics like wastewater levels, that detect disease in the population are significant in preparing clinicians to respond to flu cases.

Clinical surveillance is also conducted, tracking the number of people coming in with flu-like symptoms and the number of people testing positive.

Getting the updated seasonal flu vaccination is vital to avoid infection, as it takes about two weeks for full effects to kick in, according to Mayo Clinic. At the Trojan Farmers Market on Wednesdays, USC Student Health is providing flu vaccinations for students and employees until Nov. 4.

“We really do encourage all students, regardless of their health status, to get a flu shot,” Van Orman said. “Flu also tends to strike in December and January, so we often see flu, depending on the year, strike during finals week, which can be really impactful for students.”

Another reason students especially need flu shots are the close quarters in which they live, work and study on a college campus, according to Van Orman.

Van Orman said walk-in flu shots are available every day at the plaza outside of Engemann Student Health Center and at the Eric Cohen Student Health Center. Flu and U: Vaccinations for Students will also host events for flu vaccinations. No appointment is needed, and a number of outreach clinics provide them as well.

Students on SHIP/Aetna plans face no out-of-pocket costs and may receive vaccination at any location provided by Student Health, or during a regular clinical visit. Students on other insurance plans will incur a $20 cost billed to their student accounts, typically reimbursable when submitted to their insurer. USC employees can receive the flu vaccination at no cost through their USC Health Plans at the USC pharmacies.

“If you’re on a different insurance and you want to use your insurance, flu shots are available also at USC pharmacies,” Van Orman said. “Many people don’t realize that most insurance will also provide coverage at a place like CVS or Walgreens.”

Van Orman also noted that Student Health gives out free antigen tests that combine testing for COVID-19 and influenza at the same time.

“It really empowers patients to make their own diagnoses quicker, and then be able to take appropriate steps,” Van Orman said. “We also have a lot of other testing available at Student Health. We have what we call a PCR-based flu and COVID test available right on site, and then we also have a PCR-based test that tests for about 15 different things.”

Many more students are skeptical about vaccination in recent years, according to Van Orman.

“More individuals from all different backgrounds … have a lot of concerns about vaccinations,” Van Orman said. “We’re really trying hard to hear people’s concerns, understand what information they have [and] offer other sources of information.”

Van Orman also dispelled myths that influenza vaccination can give people the flu. She said the vaccine is an inactivated virus and cannot cause infection. Some people may feel slightly unwell and experience “low-level achiness” for around 24 to 48 hours after vaccination, which is the immune system responding to the vaccine — a positive sign.

Beyond vaccination, since influenza, as well as other common cold and flu viruses, are transmitted hand-to-mouth, preventive measures can be taken.

“Hand hygiene is super important,” Van Orman said. “Washing your hands, avoiding putting your hands near your mouth or eyes — especially during that flu season — and using hand sanitizer works for most all viruses, with exception of norovirus.”

Van Orman also recommended getting a full night’s sleep, eating regularly, staying healthy and reducing stress to prevent illness.

“We still see people wearing masks, which we think is a great idea, especially if you’re sick,” Van Orman said. “It’s a great way you can protect other people around you. It’s difficult when you’re ill to avoid coughing [and] sneezing, and a mask helps contain those respiratory droplets.”

Van Orman added that masks can also be useful when sharing a living space with multiple roommates.

“The cornerstone of prevention is vaccination,” Van Orman said. “We have this window between September and October before flu season typically hits to try to get as many students vaccinated as possible.”