Nearly 500 flu shots later, the peak of flu season is almost over.

Typically occurring between October and May, the flu season has seen three positive influenza cases at North Dakota State this year. Student health services gave out 480 flu shots at the student health center, while fourth-year pharmacy students gave flu shots to 200 student-athletes and coaching staff, said Patrick Dirk, student health services director.

Flu activity commonly peaks between December and February.

The symptoms of this year’s flu included coughing, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, body aches, headache, chills, fatigue and occasional diarrhea and vomiting. Student health services did see some other respiratory illness with some fever and flu like symptoms but tested negative for the flu, Dirk said.

Dirk said the “number of students with common cold and flu is a bit less” than what it had been in the past.

This past year there were three flu cases compared to last year’s four cases. Dirk said the number of students getting sick could be seeing a decrease because of the work the Healthy Herd Champions has been doing.

The Healthy Herd Champions had set up tables in the Memorial Union to educate students on cold and flu prevention along with at home care. The group  also gave out cold and flu packets along with brochures.

Dirk said they are trying to do more to educate the campus community on prevention so students do not fall behind in their studies.

With most students living with roommates, Dirk said if students are diagnosed, they can be treated with antiviral drugs within the first 48 hours after the onset of symptoms.

Students should try to stay away from others as much as possible to keep from infecting them, and it’s recommended they wear a facemask if they have to be around others or in public.

To avoid getting the flu, washing hands often, drinking plenty of water and trying to manage stress is encouraged.

The Center for Disease Control reported an annual average of 114,000 people hospitalized due to the flu.