What is influenza (flu)? • A contagious, preventable respiratory illness caused by a virus • Not the same as the “stomach flu” • Can cause mild to severe illness usually treated only with “over the counter” medications
What are the symptoms of the flu? • Comes on quickly, unlike a cold which tends to come on more gradually • May include fever, dry cough, sore throat, headache, extreme tiredness, stuffed-up nose and body aches (this is unlike a cold which usually stays up in the head)
Should I get a flu vaccination this year? • Yes! It is never too late for a flu shot • The vaccine will not make you sick, it is an “inactivated” vaccine (meaning the virus that is used is dead)
How can I Keep Myself and Others Healthy? • Get a flu shot • Use good hand-washing • Cough in your sleeve • Get good rest and nutrition • Avoid close contact with sick people
What if I think I have the flu? • Stay home until at least 24 hours after you are free of a fever without having taken a fever reducing medication • Contact your professor that you will not be going to class and why • Avoid contact with other people • Rest and drink lots of fluids • Treat symptoms with over the counter medication
When Should I Seek Medical Care? • Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath • Pain or pressure in the chest or abdomen • Sudden dizziness • Severe or persistent vomiting • A temperature of 101 degrees or higher for more than three days • Flu-like symptoms that improve, but then return with fever and worse cough
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