Flu facts and tips

What is influenza (flu)?

• A contagious, preventable respiratory disease.
• Not the same as the "stomach flu."
• Caused by a virus that attacks the nose, throat, and lungs.
  Can cause mild to severe illness and at times can lead to death.

What are the symptoms of flu?

• Comes on quickly, unlike a cold which tends to come on more gradually.
• May include fever, dry cough, sore throat, headache, extreme tiredness, stuffed-up nose, and body aches. (This is unlike a cold which usually stays up in the head.)

Should I get a flu vaccination this year? 

• Yes. It is never too late for a flu shot.

• Getting a flu shot annually helps protect you from getting the flu and protects those around you.

How can I Keep Myself and Others Healthy?

• Get a flu shot.
• Use good hand-washing.
• Cough in your sleeve.
  Get good rest and nutrition.
  Avoid close contact with sick people.

What if I think I have the flu?

• Stay home until at least 24 hours after you are free of a fever without having taken a fever reducing medication.
• Avoid contact with other people.
• Rest and drink lots of fluids.
• Treat symptoms with over the counter medication.
• Further questions? Call WSU’s Ask-A-Nurse at 507-457-2292.

When do I Seek Medical Care?

• Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath.
• Pain or pressure in the chest or abdomen.
• Sudden dizziness.
• Severe or persistent vomiting.
• A temperature of 101 or higher for more than three days.
• Flu-like symptoms that improve but then return with fever and worse cough.

 
http://www.cdc.gov/flu/takingcare.htm