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Flu Facts


The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), has declaired the H1N1 epidemic is over. This simply means that while people will still get the H1N1 flu, there will not be as many as last year.   The seasonal flu and the H1N1 flu are staring to be seen already, so get your flu vaccine early.  This year one shot contains vaccine for both seasonal and H1N1 viruses.

Updated 9/28/2010


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Please go to the links below to read about symptoms, treatments, and what you can do to prevent the flu:

 

Symptoms Come on Suddenly and Include:

  • Sudden severe fever (>101 for seasonal and 100 for H1N1) and
  • Chills
  • Headache
  • Dry cough, may be severe and painful
  • Muscle aches
  • Sore throat
  • may also have nausea, vomiting and diarrhea with H1N1.


Prevention:

  • Wash hands, wash hands, wash hands!!!!!!
  • Use alcohol based hand sanitizers if soap and water are not readily available.
  • Get extra sleep to boost your immune system.
  • Stay away from alcohol which decreases your immune system.
  • Avoid individuals who may be infected.
  • The flu is a virus, antibiotics DO NOT KILL VIRUSES!


Treatment

 Antiviral medication will be perscribed for those at high risk for complications and must be started within the first 48 - 72 hours.

  • Acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Advil) if you are not allergic or have underlying kidney or liver disorders, to control fever.
  • Do not take aspirin if you are under the age of 20  
  • Drink extra fluids
  • Get extra sleep
  • No alcohol
  • Do not go to classes if you have a fever, you will be contagious.

If you are under 20 years of age, DO NOT take aspirin products - use Tylenol or a non aspirin product!