David J. Olender / Assistant Phot Editor

If you’re hearing more coughing and sneezing in the classroom, don’t be surprised ? flu season has hit San Diego State hard, and it’s only the beginning of the outbreak.Last week Student Health Services reported a large number of confirmed cases of influenza. There were also a number of cases reported in the area, according to the Department of Environmental Health of San Diego County. Dr. Andrew Brick, SHS assistant medical director, said the PHD is tracking the outbreak and it has hit a little later than last year. The numbers will continue to escalate as there were more positive tests for the flu virus than there were last week.SDSU students who have not been immunized against the flu this year are at risk for contracting the illness and its complications, such as pneumonia. Brick said of the roughly 60 people he’s treated, not one had received the vaccine.”The good news is it is not too late to get a flu vaccine,” Brick said. He said the pattern of cases is such that the 10-to-14 days it takes for the vaccine to work will protect you from the projected increase in cases. Individuals considered “high risk” for complications include those with medical conditions such as asthma or other chronic lung diseases, diabetes and heart disease.Flu vaccinations are available through SHS at a cost of $15 for students, faculty and staff. “High risk” individuals can receive the vaccination for free while supplies last. SHS nursing staff will be administering vaccinations between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. tomorrow, as well as next Tuesday and Thursday along Aztec Center Walkway on the north side of the Calpulli Center.Because influenza is a respiratory borne illness, Brick said students should try to avoid close or intimate contact with people who have flu symptoms such as coughing, sneezing, chills and fever.”The simplest thing anyone can do is wash their hands,” Brick said. “And there’s the common courtesy of sneezing and coughing away from people.”Because of the high number of flu cases the Calpulli waiting room has been especially crowded. If you think you have the flu and seek medical attention from SHS, Brick suggests arriving before 11 a.m. because there are usually more students later in the day.