The word "flu" describes a family of viral infections that attacks millions of us each year. Escape is almost impossible, since influenza viruses are constantly changing and adapting. Approximately 5-20% of U.S. residents get the flu each year. Immunization (also called a flu shot) protects against only a few specific types, and no one is immune to all strains of viruses.
For most of us, the respiratory and other symptoms are relatively mild and can be controlled, although the resulting condition is often best termed "wretched." Most people with the flu recover on their own without medical care. However, infants, the elderly, and those weakened by other conditions and diseases are in serious danger from flu, and many in those groups die each year from the flu.
Most people get the flu when they breathe in tiny airborne droplets from the coughs or sneezes of someone who has the flu. You can also catch the flu if you touch something with the virus on it, and then touch your mouth, nose, or eyes.
Please note the following common-sense recommendations for protecting yourself from getting the flu:
- Avoid close contact with people who are sick
- Wash your hands frequently, especially after shaking hands with people; carry a container of waterless hand sanitizer with you to use when soap and water are not available
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth
- Drink lots of liquids and eat nutritiously
- Get plenty of sleep
- Get a flu shot every year (this is the most effective preventive measure)
- Wear a facemask when inside with large groups, or whenever around someone who is sick
Prevention
To limit the debilitating effects of flu, follow the instructions below. Keep in mind that the risk of flu is always high in a university environment where contact with so many different people is inevitable. Protect yourself, as well as do your part to avoid spreading the disease.
Your overall best defense is to keep your body strong. By eating well and getting plenty of rest, your body will be better able to fight off the influenza virus before you develop symptoms.
Get immunized every year, as vaccines protect against certain strains of influenza. Everyone 6 months and older should get vaccinated against the flu every year. Get vaccinated soon after the vaccine becomes available, ideally by October. Immunity sets in about two weeks after vaccination. Flu shots are available at the student health service.
Protect Others
If you think you have influenza (see Signs and Symptoms below), it is best to rest at home and to not expose others to your germs. Stay at home if you have a fever greater than 100ºF. If you are going to miss class due to influenza, call or e-mail your professors in advance of your class and let them know why you will be absent. Wear a mask whenever you are around others until your fevers resolve and you begin to feel better.
Signs and Symptoms
The majority of people with influenza develop symptoms rapidly, usually within one to four days after exposure. The early symptoms begin suddenly with recurring high fever, brief shaking chills, headache, pain behind the eyes, non-productive hacking cough, fatigue, and severe joint and muscle aches. Most cases of symptomatic flu are mild and last only a few days, but full recovery can take two to four weeks.
While weakened by the flu, you are more susceptible to develop viral or bacterial pneumonia, bronchitis, sinus trouble, or ear infections. Sometimes, these secondary infections are more severe than the original flu and may require treatment.
If your need is urgent, and the student health service is closed, go to the nearest hospital emergency department or call 911 for an ambulance.
Treatment
Viruses Do Not Respond to Antibiotics!
However, there are prescription medications called "antiviral drugs" that can be used to treat influenza illness. Antiviral drugs are not sold over-the-counter. You can only get them if you have a prescription from your doctor or health care provider. Antiviral drugs are different from antibiotics, which fight against bacterial infections.
Studies show that flu antiviral drugs work best for treatment when they are started within 2 days of getting sick. It's very important that antiviral drugs are used early to treat people with severe flu illness, and people who are at higher risk for flu complications (children younger than 2 years old, adults 65 years and older, pregnant women, people with certain chronic medical conditions such as asthma, emphysema, or suppressed immune systems). Most otherwise-healthy people who get the flu, however, do not need to be treated with antiviral drugs and derive little benefit from them.
There are a number of things that you can do to speed your recovery:
Rest. You do not have to stay in bed, but you should limit your activity as much as possible. Your body can use the energy normally used for physical activity to fight the infection.
Drink Lots of Fluids. It is unnecessary to eat if you have no appetite, but you should drink fluids to help control the fever, maintain your hydration and reduce aches and pains.
Take acetaminophen (such as Tylenol), ibuprofen (such as Advil or Motrin) or naproxen (such as Aleve) which are available over-the-counter. They can relieve muscle aches and fever. Follow the recommended dosage on the package. You should NOT take aspirin.
Oral decongestants (such as Sudafed) may relieve excessive nasal discharge and stuffiness. Preparations without antihistamines are less likely to cause drowsiness. Decongestants make some people jittery, unable to sleep and may cause dry mouth.
Keeping a throat lozenge, cough drop, or hard candy in your mouth will stimulate your saliva and help soothe your throat.
Over-the-counter cough suppressants have limited efficacy for relief of cough due to upper respiratory infection. Mucolytics (such as Mucinex/guaifenesin) and decongestants (such as Sudafed) may be more effective.
Run a Humidifier or Vaporizer to help relieve dry, hacking cough. If you don't have a vaporizer, run a hot shower and breathe the moist air. Pots filled with water or wet towels hung in a room will help to produce the same humidifying effect.
Limit or Discontinue Smoking. Smoking irritates the lining of the respiratory tract, thus lowering the resistance to complications.
Practice Good Hygiene. To help prevent the spread of the virus, wear a mask until your symptoms improve, wash your hands frequently, cover your nose and mouth when sneezing, properly dispose of facial tissues and do not share items like toothbrushes and drinking containers.
Last updated Oct 24, 2024
Information contained in this handout is for educational purposes only. It is not a substitute for evaluation and treatment by a healthcare professional. As new and updated information becomes available, the content may change. Please contact your healthcare provider with any questions. Copyright (c) Point and Click Solutions, Inc.