The number of tested influenza cases at the University has reached an alarmingly high level, according to ASU Student Health and Wellness.
So far, the health center has seen more than 200 cases, said Gary Septon, chief of medical staff.
As of Thursday, there were 42 patients who tested positive for the flu, but Septon estimated the health center had treated about five times that number.
"After awhile, why do the test?" he said. "We're in the middle of a flu outbreak on campus, so we tend not to test. We tend just to treat it."
Flu symptoms include weakness, fever, muscle pain, headache, sore throat, cough and nasal congestion.
"If you think that it's the flu, it probably is," Septon said.
Last year had a "light" flu season with about 70 confirmed cases on campus, Septon said.
Medication is available to reduce the duration of the illness but must be given within around 48 hours after symptoms begin.
The only good news about the flu is that it's preventable, Septon said.
Student health had given 1,480 immunizations to students and 2,350 to faculty and staff as of Thursday.
Although this number is greater than last year, it's still not enough, Septon said. Students are one of the age groups that tend to be affected most severely.
"In a classroom situation or a residence hall situation, you're more likely to get it," he said.
The vaccines are becoming scarce, Septon said. The health center had about 50 doses on-hand Friday and will not receive more until the end of the week.
Pre-law freshman Ashley Nickum said she still was getting over a case of the flu.
"I was awful," she said. "It was really bad. I missed class and work all week."
Typically, flu season runs from November to April. Septon said the heaviest months are February and March.
"It remains to be seen just how bad the season will be," he said, "but indications are not good."
Reach the reporter at katherine.j.krzys@asu.edu.