Despite the recent flu advisory from Student Health Services, some Boston University students say they may not take health precautions when sick.

SHS sent an email to students on Feb. 1 alerting them to illnesses prevalent on campus. SHS and the City of Boston recently noted an increase in the number of cases of the stomach flu caused by the norovirus and viral conjunctivitis, commonly known as pink eye.

While symptoms of pink eye can last up to a week, the symptoms tend to be mild, according to the Centers for Disease Control website. The stomach flu affects people for one or two days.

The SHS email stated students who are sick should stay home, take fever medicine and stay hydrated. SHS also advised all students to consider getting a flu shot, keep surfaces in their room clean and avoid those who are sick.

A number of students, however, expressed doubt whether professors would allow students to miss class if they were under the weather.

School of Social Work graduate student Julie French said she would still attend class even if she was sick.

“If I had a doctor’s note or was deathly ill, it would probably be okay [with my professor],” she said, “but if I just had a cold or something, I’d go to class.”

BU spokesman Colin Riley said while students should not be alarmed by the email, they should stay home when they’re sick, if not visit SHS.

“Faculty members understand that some students may miss class and have to make up work,” he said. “Students are expected to communicate with their professors if that is the case.”

Staff and faculty also received the advisory email, Riley said, and SHS has given professors the same guidance as it gave students: They should stay home in bed if they are sick.

Riley said while the residence halls’ custodial staff keeps facilities clean, they will be expected to pay closer attention during flu season.

“[There will be] increased attention to cleaning surfaces that are touched or handled often, such as elevator buttons, door handles and faucets,” he said.

School of Management junior Monisha Mallela, who lives on Bay State Road, said she sees hand-sanitizing stations in her dorm and in the dining halls. Despite BU’s efforts to keep people healthy, she said most students don’t take the necessary precautions.

“A lot of people don’t go to Student Health Services when they clearly need to,” Mallela said.

However, SMG junior Dan Mello said he and friends have found it difficult to get an appointment at SHS.

Mello said he has had similar experiences with Residence Life. Until the beginning of the semester, Mello said he could not get hand soap for his Bay State residence from Residence Life.

College of Arts and Sciences freshman Vincent Jordan said while he would stay home, he would rather treat himself than visit SHS.

“I would probably just skip class,” he said. “More than likely it’s something I can take care of myself.”

Student Health Services and Residence Life were unavailable for a comment at press time.