Students missing from class and constant coughing and sneezing serve as reminders that it’s flu season once again.

Cases of the flu have increased from this time last year, according to the St. Edward’s University Health and Counseling Center.

“It’s more than last spring,” Mary Jones, a nurse practitioner for the Health Center, said. ” Last January [and] February, we didn’t have much at all, but this year we’ve had quite a bit.”

Jones said high numbers of flu cases have been reported in clinics throughout Austin, not just at St. Edward’s.

While the reason for the surge in flu cases is unknown, Jones said the recent cold weather could be a contributing factor. But Jones said it’s actually not the cold air that makes people sick.

“It’s not the cold weather that does it; it’s being inside enclosed places with the warm environment,” Jones said.

Jones also said the reason for the increase in cases could be that not as many people are getting flu shots this year because there is no longer a fear of contracting H1N1 (swine flu), a type of flu that the Health Center has not come across since last fall.

Jones said students should take precautions to ensure they don’t contract the flu. These precautions include washing hands, staying well-hydrated and well-rested, and covering a cough. Jones also recommended that unvaccinated students get flu shots.

“It’s not too late. Flu season can go into March. The vaccine doesn’t take effect immediately, but what’s the downside? There’s not one. And you absolutely cannot get the flu from the flu shot. That’s just a myth,” Jones said.

The Health and Counseling Center offers flu shots for $15 and accepts Topper Tender.