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.
Symptoms
Symptoms include: fever, cough, sore throat, congestion, body aches, chills, fatigue, and sometimes diarrhea and vomiting. The fever may last 3-4 days.
If You Feel Ill ...
If you feel ill with a fever of 100 degrees or higher and have either a cough or sore throat you should go to the Student Health Center (located in Jogues Hall) to be evaluated.
- 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.
Influenza infections may lead to or occur with bacterial infections. More severe or prolonged illness (e.g., fever lasting five (5) or more days) may be an indication of a bacterial infection. Additionally, an illness that gets better, but then gets worse again, may be an indication that a person has a bacterial infection. Check with your health care provider if you have concerns.
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 not 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