Health Matters Newsletter

January 2013

What you Should Know for the 2012-2013 Influenza (Flu) Season

Welcome to the January 2013 issue of the Health Matters Newsletter.  The Health Matters Newsletter is published on a monthly basis on the Health Center home page, and is linked to the weekly Campus Report.  The purpose of this newsletter is to share information, regarding pertinent medical issues and health and wellness suggestions with the students, faculty, and staff here at SUNY Fredonia.  This month's topic will be on Seasonal Influenza (Flu).

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, influenza activity continues to increase in the United States with most of the country now experiencing high levels of influenza like illness.  These levels are nearing what have been peak in moderately to severe flu seasons in the past.  The following are some common questions and answers regarding Seasonal Influenza (flu).

What is the seasonal flu?

Seasonal flu is a contagious respiratory illness caused by flu viruses.  Approximately 5-20% of U.S. residents get the flu each year.  It spreads between people and can cause mild to severe illness.  In some cases, the flu can lead to death.

In the United States, the flu season occurs in the fall and winter.  Seasonal flu activity usually peaks in January or February, but it can occur as early as October and as late as May.

How does seasonal flu spread?

Flu viruses can be spread from person to person through the air in droplets when someone infected with the virus coughs, sneezes or laughs.  Sometimes people become infected by touching something, such as a surface or object, which contain flu viruses on it and then touch their mouth or nose.

What are the symptoms of the flu? 

The flu and the common cold  have similar symptoms.  It can be difficult to tell the difference between them.  In general, the flu is sudden onset of severe symptoms.  You get really sick really quick.  The symptoms of the flu are more intense then that of a cold , and typically last 1-2 weeks. 

Flu symptoms include:

• A 100 degree F or higher fever or feeling feverish (not everyone with the flu has a fever)
• A cough and/or sore throat
• A runny or stuffy nose
• Headache and/or body aches
• Chills
• Fatigue
• Nausea, vomiting, and/or diarrhea (most common in children)

Is the stomach flu really the flu?

Many people use the "stomach flu" to describe illness with nausea, vomiting and diarrhea.  Many different viruses , bacteria, or parasites can cause these symptoms.  While the flu can sometimes cause vomiting, diarrhea and nausea-- more commonly in children than adults--these problems are rarely the main symptoms of the flu.  The flu is a respiratory disease and not a stomach or intestinal disease.

What are common complications from the seasonal flu?

• Bacterial pneumonia
• Ear or sinus infections
• Dehydration
• Worsening of chronic health conditions

How long am I contagious?

Most healthy adults can infect others one day before symptoms develop and five to seven days after symptoms appear.  Some people, especially young children and people with weakened immune systems, might be contagious for a longer period.

How can I protect myself from the seasonal flu?

• Get the flu shot.  Vaccination is the best tool we have to prevent the flu.  The flu vaccine continues to be available at LoGrasso Hall Health Center while supplies last.
• Practice good hand hygiene by washing your hands with soap and water, especially after coughing or sneezing.  Bathrooms in our residence halls are equipped with an adequate supply of soap and paper towels to promote frequent hand washing.  Alcohol-based hand cleaners also are effective.
• Practice respiratory etiquette by covering your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze.  If you don't have a tissue, cough or sneeze into your elbow or shoulder, not your hands.  Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth--germs are spread this way.
• Know the signs and symptoms of the flu.  Sudden onset of a fever equal to or greater than 100 degrees Fahrenheit, extreme headache/bodyaches, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, possibly diarrhea and vomiting.
• Find ways to increase social distances (the space between people) in classrooms such as moving desks further apart, leaving empty seats between students, and using distance learning methods such as online courses. Ideally, there should be at least 6 feet between people at most times.
• Establish regular cleaning schedules for frequent cleaning of surfaces and items that are more likely to have frequent hand contact such as desks, door knobs, keyboards, or counters with cleaning agents that are usually used in these areas.  Promote frequent cleaning of bathrooms and ensure adequate supplies of soap and paper towels.
• Encourage students to frequently clean their living quarters.  Students living together should frequently clean commonly used surfaces such as doorknobs, refrigerator handles, remote controls, and counter tops.

What should I do if I get sick with flu like symptoms?

If you have symptoms of the flu, you should stay home or self isolate in your residential hall space until at least 24 hours after you are free of fever , or signs of a fever, without the use of fever-reducing medicines.

How can I treat my flu symptoms?

• Get plenty of rest.
• Drink clear fluids like water, broth, sports drinks, or electrolyte beverages to prevent from becoming dehydrated.
• Place a cool, damp washcloth on your forehead, arms, and legs to reduce discomfort associated with a fever.
• Put a dehumidifier in your room to make breathing easier.
• Gargle with salt water (1 tsp of salt in a glass of warm water) to soothe a sore throat.
• Cover up with a warm blanket to calm chills.
• Decongestants can ease discomfort from  stuffy noses, sinuses, ears, and chests. 
• Cough medicine , cough drops and throat lozenges can temporarily relieve coughing and sore throat. 
• Fevers and aches can be treated with a pain reliever such as acetaminophen (Tylenol)  or ibuprofen (Advil or Motrin).  If you  have kidney disease or stomach problems, check with your health care provider before taking any NSAIDS.

What are antiviral medications and how can they help?

Antiviral medications are prescription medications used to prevent or treat flu viruses.  They are approved for both adults and children one year and older.  If you get the flu, antiviral medications can make your illness milder and make you feel better faster. Antiviral medications may also prevent serious complications from the flu.  Antiviral medications work best when started within the first two days of getting sick.

Do I need antibiotics?

Antibiotics are used to treat bacterial infections.  They are not effective against viral infections like the flu.  Some people have bacterial infections along with or caused by the flu and will need to take antibiotics.  Severe or prolonged illness or illness that seems to get better but then gets worse may be a sign of a bacterial infection.  Contact your health care provider if have any questions.

When should I go to see a doctor?

You should seek medical attention immediately if :

• You have difficulty with breathing or shortness of breath.
• You have pain or pressure in your chest or abdomen.
• Sudden dizziness
• Confusion
• Severe or persistent vomiting
• Flu like symptoms improve, but then return with fever and worse cough