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Student Health Services > Influenza (Flu) Information

Influenza (flu) is a serious viral disease affecting the ears, nose, throat, sinuses, bronchial tubes and lungs.  Several different influenza viruses have been identified from studies made during epidemics; however, the symptoms of each of the types of influenza are similar.  Influenza is a viral illness and has no specific treatment.  No antibiotic will kill the virus which causes the disease, so treatment is symptomatic.  We can give you medicine to help make you feel more comfortable and to prevent complications, and newer antiviral-influenzae medicines to potentially decrease the length and severity of symptoms.

What should I do?
You should stay in bed until your temperature has returned to normal (or near normal).  Stay away from healthy people as much as possible.  Check your temperature at 8:00 a.m., 2:00 p.m. and 10:00 p.m. and keep a record (thermometers can be borrowed from a Resident Assistant).  It is also important to wash your hands frequently over the next several days to avoid spreading the infection to others.  While you need your rest, remember to communicate with your professors and employers so as not to get too far behind.

What should I eat?
Try to eat balanced meals.  Drink at least 1 (8 oz.) glass of liquid per hour, excluding milk (this may help keep secretions in the lungs thinner).  If your throat is very sore, eat a soft diet including broth-based soups, jello, Popsicles, etc.  You should avoid cigarette smoke and alcohol.

What medicines will help me?
Tylenol (Acetaminophin) - is useful for reducing fever and relieving aches.  You should not take aspirin, as this can increase your risk of Reyes' Syndrome.
Cough Medicine -  Cough preparations are useful to keep secretions loose and make the cough less uncomfortable.  A cool-mist vaporizer is also very beneficial (remember to cleanse and sterilize according to directions after each use!).
Saline (Salt) Nasal Spray - Sit up and spray each nostril according to package directions.  This should help keep the nasal passages open and prevent secondary bacterial infections of the ears and sinuses.  Decongestant nasal sprays are not recommended as these can cause "rebound" swelling of nasal passages.

Call Student Health Services as extension 5050 if:

  • You develop a temperature over 102ºF.
  • You develop shortness of breath, chest pain, or cough up blood-tinged sputum/phlegm.
  • You notice a change of color under fingernails/toenails to dusky blue or purple.
  • You develop nausea, vomitting or diarrhea.
  • You notice thick yellow or green discharge from nose/sinus/ears.

Student Health Services administers the influenza immunization every October for a nominal fee:
Get one early and prevent/limit the symptoms of flu!!!