It's not flu season in New Mexico, but UNM clinics have been giving out about 300-400 flu shots per day.
Jim Krieger, director of the clinical pharmacy services at UNM Hospital, said they bought 35,000 does this year and have administered 20,000 so far. He said 5,000 doses are reserved for high-risk patients and staff members at the clinics who have face-to-face contact with patients.
High-risk patients include people over 65, children 6 months to 23 months, people with chronic conditions like asthma or diabetes, residents of nursing homes, health care workers who provide direct care to patients and others listed by a Public Health Order from the New Mexico Department of Public Health.
Though there is a national shortage of the flu shot, Krieger said New Mexico has the luxury of having enough vaccine in the state.
However, those who do not fit into high-risk groups will be refused a flu shot at the clinic.
"If they don't meet the criteria, they're told they can't have it," Krieger said.
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Susan Kellie, an epidemiologist at UNM hospital, said the average college-age student with no underlying disease is not at risk.
She said the way to steer clear of the flu is to use common sense.
"Remember what mom told you," she said.
The No. 1 thing Kellie recommends is washing hands frequently throughout the day. She said it takes 15 seconds of friction to properly wash hands.
Because a sink is not always close by in a school setting, she recommends using an alcohol-based hand sanitizer at least eight times a day.
Hand hygiene before meals can also prevent getting the flu or a cold.
"People don't realize they can infect themselves by touching their hands to their mouth and nose," Kellie said. "Be aware of that behavior."
She said if someone has a cough or cold, they need to cover their mouth with tissue and stay at least 3 feet away from people.
If someone is really sick, she said they should try to stay home. Most people with influenza are unable to go to work or school for a couple of days.
Kellie said most people don't realize they are still infectious for a couple of days, even if they feel like they can go back to work or school.
Eliseo Torres, vice president of student affairs, said chicken soup, rest and a lot of fluids keeps his family flu-free.
"It's simple, but it seems to work for us," he said.
He said for a good night's sleep, chamomile tea works well and eucalyptus tea is good for coughs.
"Herbal teas are soothing and wonderful with no side effects," Torres said.
As of Oct. 30, there was no flu in the state of New Mexico, according to a report by the Centers for Disease Control. Across the nation there are sporadic cases of the flu, but no states are experiencing widespread influenza, Kellie said.
But Kellie said there are other respiratory diseases circulating, so it's good to practice good hygiene.
Kellie said the flu season often peaks after the holiday season in January and February.
