Cold and Flu

If you have any of the following, call 573-882-7481 for an appointment:

  • Fever over 101 degrees or remains over 100 degrees for two days
  • Productive cough
  • Breathing difficulty
  • Chest pain
  • Other severe symptoms

Flu Shots

Annual flu shots are available. Call 573-882-7481 to schedule an appointment or attend one of our on-campus clinics:

Tuesday, Oct. 1 | 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. | School of Nursing, Clinical Skills Lab (located on the first floor)
Tuesday, Oct. 8 | 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. | Townsend Hall, Reflector
Wednesday, Oct. 16 | 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. | Lewis and Clark, Clark Hall Lobby
Tuesday, Oct. 22 | 11 a.m. to 2:15 p.m. | Plaza 900 Dining
Wednesday, Oct. 23 | 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. | Veterinary Medicine Building, Room W235
Tuesday, Oct. 29 | 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. | Journalism School, Palmer Room
Tuesday, Nov. 12 | 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. | MizzouRec, Aquatic Mezzanine

Your student health fee covers the cost of the annual flu shot. If you’re already at your appointment, ask your provider or nurse about getting the shot while you’re here.

Symptom Checker

You’re tired, have a stuffy nose and a sore throat. Use this guide to figure out if it’s a cold, the flu or something else.

Symptoms Onset

COVID-19 Symptoms range from mild to severe Influenza Cold Seasonal Allergies
Gradual Abrupt Gradual Varies

Symptoms

Symptom COVID-19 Symptoms range from mild to severe Influenza Cold Seasonal Allergies
Sources: World Health Organization, Centers for Disease Control, American College of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology
Fever Common Common Rare No
Fatigue Common Common Sometimes Sometimes
Cough Common (usually dry) Common (usually dry) Common Sometimes
Sneezing Rarely No Common Common
Aches and pains Common Common Sometimes No
Runny or stuffy nose Common Common Common Common
Sore throat Usually Sometimes Common Possible, esp. upon waking
Diarrhea Sometimes Sometimes No No
Nausea or vomiting Sometimes Rarely No No
Headaches Sometimes Common Uncommon, mild Sometimes
Shortness of breath Common Sometimes Mild Sometimes, esp. in asthma patients
Chills Sometimes, incl. repeating shaking Fairly common Uncommon Rare
Loss of appetite Sometimes Common Sometimes Rare
New loss of taste or smell Sometimes (early, often without runny or stuffy nose) Sometimes Sometimes (especially with stuffy nose) Sometimes
Itchy nose, eyes or roof of mouth No No No Common
Watery eyes No Uncommon Common Common

Cold & Flu Care Tips

For fever, sore throat and body aches

  • Take acetaminophen (such as Tylenol) but do not exceed 3,000 mg per day
  • Alternate with ibuprofen (such as Advil)
  • Take them around the clock, at the frequency indicated on the product directions — not just when symptoms reoccur

For cough

  • Use a cough syrup with the suppressant dextromethorphan (DM), which is usually combined with guaifenesin (a mucus thinner)
  • Take it at the frequency indicated on the product directions — not only when your cough worsens

Increase fluid intake

  • Fluids are important while you have a fever
  • Consume water, sports drinks and soup
  • Do not use sugar-free drinks for rehydration

Call us

Call 573-882-7481 for an appointment if:

  • Fever remains over 100 degrees for two days
  • Cough becomes productive
  • Loss of smell or taste
  • Breathing becomes difficult
  • You experience chest pain
  • Or other new severe symptoms

Stay home

Stay home from class and work to limit contact with others. Limiting contact with others will keep them from infecting others.

Practice prevention

  • Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze (or turn your head into your sleeve)
  • Put your used tissue in a waste basket
  • Wash your hands with soap and water, after you sneeze or cough
  • Carry alcohol-based hand sanitizer to use when soap and water are not easily accessible
  • Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth because germs are spread this way
  • Do not share items such as drinks, food, cell phones, etc.

Avoid close contact with sick people

Viruses are spread mainly person-to-person through coughing or sneezing of infected people. Sometimes others may become infected by touching something with viruses on it and then touching their mouth or nose.

Symptoms of influenza

The most common symptoms are fever with respiratory symptoms including cough, sore throat and body aches. Headaches, nausea, vomiting or diarrhea may also occur.