Congestion, sore throat, runny nose — all signs of the common cold. But when you combine those symptoms with fever, achiness and chills, you are most likely one of the 95 million Americans each year to come down with the flu.
College campuses are a breeding ground for the flu virus, according to Christine Barnes, director of student health services. "With students in the residence halls, living in such close quarters, all it takes is a few infected students to spread the virus — often before they are ever diagnosed."
Influenza is caused by a virus that spreads when an infected person sneezes, coughs or even breathes. Symptoms appear approximately two days after infection, and the infected person is contagious for three to four days thereafter. According to The National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Disease, the highest incidence occurs in children between the ages of 5-14; however, the flu can be more serious in people 65 and older or those with an existing respiratory condition or immune system disorder.
According to Barnes, once a person has the flu the only thing to do is treat the symptoms. Take Tylenol (or another non-aspirin pain reliever) every three to four hours for the aches and pains, get lots of rest, drink plenty of liquids, and maintain a healthy diet — and yes, that includes mom's chicken noodle soup. Antibiotics are not effective against flu viruses.
"You just have to give in to it for a day or two," Barnes added, "which is especially hard — especially for students who will try to go to their classes and become even more run down."
The good news is that flu is preventable by getting a flu shot. The bad news is that not enough people take advantage of the vaccine. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), only about two-thirds of the people who should get the shot actually do. The flu kills between 20,000-40,000 people in the United States each year. Because the influenza viruses change, the vaccine is updated annually to give the closest possible match to the virus circulating. Protection develops about two weeks after getting the shot and may last up to a year. Some people who get flu vaccine may still get the flu, but they will usually get a milder case than those who did not get the shot.
And for those of you who think you can actually get the flu from the flu shot, Barnes confirms that is a common misconception. "I have worked in family health for more than 20 years and never took the flu shot until I came to work at a college," she said. "Of course you should consult your doctor if you have any questions or concerns, but I highly recommend the flu shot."
Flu shots are available to students at Health Services, and to date about 250 have been given. Personnel Services is coordinating a Flu Shot Clinic for employees and their dependents 18 years of age and over (see right column).
For more helpful "flu facts," visit www.cdc.gov/nip/flu/Public.htm.
