Influenza, commonly known as “the flu” is an acute respiratory illness caused by the influenza virus. It is spread through the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes and is very contagious. Flu symptoms can last a week or more and interfere significantly with school and work. Most people recover completely but, unlike the common cold, influenza may cause severe illness with complications, such as pneumonia. In an average year, 114,000 people are hospitalized with the flu and 20,000 die of complications.

Who is at risk?

• Anyone can get the flu
• People who live in crowded conditions, such as dormitories, have a higher risk of exposure to all respiratory illnesses including the flu
• The elderly and people with weakened immune systems are at the highest risk of complications
• People with diabetes, chronic heart disease and respiratory disease, such as asthma, are also at greater risk of complications

What are the symptoms?

• Sudden onset of fever
• Headache and body aches
• Dry cough, sore throat, runny nose
• Eye irritation and pain with eye movement
• Excess tiredness and weakness

If you are not sure if you have the flu or some other viral or respiratory infection, please make an appointment to be evaluated by a provider.

What can I do to prevent the flu?

There is a safe and effective vaccine for flu. The vaccine is made from killed flu virus and cannot give you the flu. Because the virus changes each year, the make up of each year’s flu vaccine changes too, necessitating annual flu shots for protection. Because flu “season” usually peaks each year between December and March, we usually recommend getting the flu shot in the fall. As with any other vaccine, flu vaccine may not protect 100% of those exposed to the virus. People who should especially consider getting the flu vaccine include:

• People with chronic medical conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, asthma or other chronic respiratory conditions
• People with weakened immune systems due to medical conditions or certain medications
• People living in crowded conditions (such as dorms or apartments) who are at higher risk of exposure to the virus
• People (like some college students) whose lifestyles include high levels of stress, inadequate nutrition and inadequate sleep

What should I do if I think I have the flu?

• Drink plenty of fluids (non caffeinated, non alcoholic) to prevent dehydration
• Rest to promote healing
• Gargle with salt water (1/2 tsp. per 8 oz. warm water) to soothe sore throat
• Take over the counter (OTC) acetaminophen or ibuprofen as directed for fever and aches
• Take OTC decongestants as directed for runny nose
• Do not take aspirin when you have the flu due to the risk of developing Reye’s Syndrome (a syndrome that can cause serious brain and liver damage)

What about medicines to treat the flu virus?

There is no cure for the flu. Antibiotics are of no use because they do not work on viral illnesses. There are antiviral drugs that have been approved for treating the flu. They reduce the duration of symptoms by about 1 day if taken within 2 days of the onset of the flu. These are prescription drugs that only work on the flu virus. If a person has an illness caused by another kind of virus or by bacteria, the medicines will not be effective. These medicines are very expensive. If you have questions please make an appointment with a provider.

Where can I get more information?

The SHC can answer questions and provide printed informational materials.

Also:
Centers for Disease Control