Prepare for Flu Season: Information on Influenza (Flu)-like Illness (ILI)
DESCRIPTION
Influenza, (the flu), is a contagious respiratory disease caused by the influenza virus. H1N1 is a new influenza virus causing illness in people.
HOW YOU GET THE FLU
- The influenza virus is spread through the air by droplets from the coughing and sneezing of people who are already infected with the virus and by close contact with an infected person.
- You can also become infected by touching an object with the flu virus on it and then touching your eyes, nose or mouth before washing your hands.
FREQUENT SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS
- High fever (101 or >)
- Headache
- Body aches
- Non-productive cough
- Chills
- Sore throat
- Nausea
- Vomiting/Diarrhea
- Sudden onset of illness
Illness duration may last 7 – 10 days.
TREATMENTS
- Go home and remain there until you are symptom-free with no fever (< 100) for 24 hours without fever – reducing medication.
- Try to keep 3 feet distance between you and others.
- Wear a mask as needed
- Rest
- Eat as tolerated
- Drink plenty of fluids
PREVENTION
- Frequent Hand washing
- Get the annual flu vaccine which may decrease the severity of the disease and the risk of complications of the H1N1 flu
- Avoid contact with others who are sick.
SEEK MEDICAL TREATMENT IMMEDIATELY IF YOU HAVE THE FOLLOWING:
- Shortness of breath
- Disorientation
- Decreased urinary output
- Dizziness
- Weakness that makes standing difficult
- If you have no improvement after several days or symptoms get worse.
For more information please call the Student Health Services at (724) 938-4232.
Sources: Micromedex Best Practices of Medicine