The ACU clinic has confirmed their first case of the flu this semester.

The case confirmed last week is the only confirmed case thus far.

Julie Danley, ACU registered nurse, said, “There is a virus going around that is similar to the flu, but that just isn’t the flu. The way to tell the difference is that a virus will have a gradual onset, but flu symptoms will occur more suddenly.”

Danley recommends that students come to the clinic because they can prescribe to patients with the flu Tamiflu. While it may not cure the flu, it will shorten and lessen the intensity of it.

“The best thing you can do to prevent the flu is to wash your hands and get a flu shot,” said Danley. “I think taking a lot of medicine isn’t always the best choice but I do believe in vaccines”¦ the flu shot will keep the outbreak of flu down and will protect those that are immune compromised like infants and elderly.”

Steve Rowlands, director of the ACU counseling center, got his flu shot a week ago.

“You just have a sore arm for one day,” Rowlands said. “I think its a wise thing to do because if you do get the flu, you’ll be out for a week.”

Flu shots are available at the ACU clinic for $17, which is one of the lowest prices in town for flu shots.