Influenza (Flu)

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What is Influenza (Flu)?

Flu is a contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses that infect the nose, throat, and sometimes the lungs. It can cause mild to severe illness, and at times can lead to death. The best way to prevent flu is by getting a flu vaccine each year.

Flu Symptoms

Flu can cause mild to severe illness, and at times can lead to death. Flu symptoms usually come on suddenly. People who have flu often feel some or all of these signs and symptoms:

• fever or feeling feverish/chills-(It’s important to note that not everyone with flu will have a fever)

• The fever may last 3-4 days

• cough

• sore throat

• runny or stuffy nose

• muscle or body aches

• headaches

• fatigue (tiredness)

• some people may have vomiting and diarrhea, though this is more common in children than adults.

More information is available at Flu and COVID-19 symptoms.

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.

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: cdc.gov

• Connecticut Department of Public Health: ct.gov/dph

Please call the Fairfield University Student Health Center with any questions: (203)-254-4000, Ext. 2241

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