Living in cramped dorm rooms, apartments with hundreds of residents or small houses in close proximity to roommates, students are already at a high risk of contracting the flu.

However, the risk is even greater now that it is peak flu season.

According to Sarah Van Orman, director of clinical services at University Health Services, the Madison area reached its annual peak for influenza within the last week.

"Typically, influenza is cyclical," Van Orman said. "Every year, influenza hits low levels and generally peaks around January, February or March. We're a little bit late, but that's nothing unusual."

Since the flu is "temperature sensitive," Van Orman said it follows a similar pattern every year, adding the southern hemisphere operates on an opposite cycle.

One preventative measure Van Orman suggested is "social distancing" — avoiding contact with other people during the peak season — which may be difficult for students.

"Anytime you're living and working in close quarters, the more likely you are to pass it on," Van Orman said. "Students are at a higher risk, living in more crowded conditions, congregating and gathering in common spaces."

A recent study at the University of Minnesota revealed the dramatic effects the flu can have on college students.

Van Orman said over the course of a recent school year at the University of Minnesota, 91 percent of students had at least one upper respiratory infection while 37 percent reported an "influenza-like illness."

"Students reported signs like missing class, deadlines and work," Van Orman said. "Both colds and influenza are really common among students and had a real impact affecting their lives. We think of them being very mild, but they really do have a big impact on academics."

Anyone who contracts the flu virus is contagious 24 hours before showing any symptoms and can transmit the virus without ever knowing, Van Orman added.

UHS epidemiologist Craig Roberts said flu symptoms tend to develop rapidly once they first appear.

"Typically, there is a very acute onset with fever, typically with chills and cough and, in general, feeling like crap," Roberts said. "It tends to come on very quickly and feels much worse than having a cold."

Depending on the severity of the individual case, Roberts said students with the flu should keep hydrated and possibly seek an appointment at UHS for antiviral medications.

Van Orman added simple precautions could help prevent the onset of the virus.

"It's really hard to overestimate hand washing. We talk with people about covering their sneeze, but not with your hand," Van Orman said. "[I recommend] not sharing things like drinks or cigarettes — that's also a very easy way for this to spread."

UHS, located at 1552 University Ave., also offers a free flu shot to all students from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. weekdays.

Contrary to a common belief, the flu vaccine does not increase the risk for contracting the virus, Van Orman said, although it does take two weeks to be effective.

"There absolutely is no danger as far as getting the flu. You don't get any live virus at all," Van Orman said.

More information on the flu virus is available on the UHS website at www.uhs.wisc.edu.