How does it Spread?
Influenza viruses spread from an ill person to others mainly through coughing or sneezing. People may also become infected by touching something with the virus on it and then touching their mouth, nose, or eyes before washing their hands.
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- Do not attend class (e-mail your professors and explain that you are ill and unable to attend class).
- Avoid close contact with others. If possible, consider going home. Do not return to class until you are without fever for 24 hours (without using fever reducing medications).
- Drink plenty of water and other clear liquids to prevent dehydration. Avoid long, hot showers to decrease the chance that you may faint.
Emergency Warning Signs
Warning signs which indicate the need to seek care urgently include: difficulty breathing or shortness of breath, pain or pressure in the chest or abdomen, sudden dizziness, confusion, severe or persistent vomiting and flu-like symptoms that improve, but then return with fever and worse cough.
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Fever and aches may be treated with acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Advil). Over-the-counter cold medications may be helpful for cough and congestion. Please read the instructions carefully. Check the list of active ingredients carefully to avoid double dosing and exceeding recommended limits.
Young adults should should not take take aspirin (acetylsalicylic acid) when ill with the flu. Doing so may cause a rare, but serious illness called Reye's Syndrome.
For More Information ...
- Center for Disease Control and Prevention: www.cdc.gov
- Connecticut Department of Public Health: www.ct.gov/dph