Flu: Influenza

The flu (influenza) is a respiratory (lung) virus, not a stomach or intestinal virus.

The flu is caused by influenza viruses. Influenza viruses include both the H1N1 and the seasonal flu.

Treatment for the seasonal flu and H1N1 is the same.

Antibiotics will not help you if a virus is responsible for your illness.

Symptoms

The main symptoms of the flu are:

• fever (usually high)
• headache
• extreme tiredness
• dry cough
• sore throat
• muscle aches

Stomach symptoms, such as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea, also can occur but are not common in adults.

The length of illness will depend on the severity of your case of the flu. You will be contagious from one day before the onset of symptoms until approximately five to seven days later. Cover your cough and wash your hands often, the flu virus is spread by droplets from coughs and sneezes.

Treatment

Stay home. Don’t go to class, work, shopping, or any other public place.

If you miss class, notify your instructor by email or phone. It is your responsibility to maintain communication.

Alleviating your symptoms at home:

• Have a friend or family member run to the store and purchase:
  
  • a thermometer
  • ibuprofen or Tylenol® for fever, muscles aches, sore throat
  • sore throat lozenges, cough lozenges
  • facial tissues and hand sanitizer
  • juice, decaffeinated tea, Sprite, ginger ale
  • popsicles, jello, applesauce, pudding, yogurt, sherbet

• Drink plenty of fluids.

• Get plenty of rest.

• Take Tylenol or ibuprofen as directed for fever over 101°F for discomfort.

After having the flu, a mild lingering cough may occur. If you do not have any other flu symptoms, this cough should not prevent you from returning to class and/or work.

When to Seek Medical Attention

The majority of people who get the flu will get better on their own and do not need to seek medical care.

However you should seek medical care if:

• you are pregnant

• have a chronic medical condition such as diabetes, cancer, asthma, heart or lung problems or a weakened immune system

• you have any of the following symptoms:
  • difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
  • pain or pressure in the chest or abdomen
  • confusion
  • sudden dizziness
  • severe or continuous vomiting