This post has been archived. Information below may be out of date and/or relate to a past event.
We have had our first case of influenza on campus in the last 24 hours. Seasonal flu is not like having a common cold. The symptoms that most people report are: Fever over 100 degrees, body aches, dry cough, sore throat, runny nose, fatigue and loss of appetite/vomiting/diarrhea. Most patients with the flu do not need to be examined. Ear infections and bronchitis are complications that can occur. You should be seen by a healthcare provider if you have a bad earache or wheezing in your chest. If you feel you have a complication and need to be seen, we ask that you first call 332-4355 or 332-4381, so that we can prepare for your visit. We are not able to monitor emails in a timely fashion, so we prefer you call the Health Center. If your symptoms are mild to moderate, you will be instructed to get rest, fluids and take medications such as fever reducers. Most people have mild to moderate symptoms, do not have to see a health care provider, and recover in a few days.
Self Care Tips:
Drink plenty of cold fluids – juices, pop, Gatorade, popsicles.
Rest in bed. Have a friend get your food. Follow a bland diet.
Take Ibuprofen or Tylenol every four hours, especially at night. Write it down. Take any other medications as directed. Do not bundle up too much. Let your heat escape. At night, you can alternate Ibuprofen and Tylenol every two hours (Ibuprofen at 8 p.m., Tylenol at 10 p.m., Ibuprofen at midnight, etc.).
Be careful when you get out of bed — hold on to something when you stand up. Do not take hot showers.
You will be weak for a week. No extracurricular activities.
Flu Shots are still available at Winslow Health Center. Call for an appointment.
Students are reminded to contact their professors if they are going to miss class because of the flu.
For more information on seasonal influenza, please visit the Winslow Health Center webpage here.