Is it a cold or is it the flu?

There is effective treatment for the flu, BUT… you have to get treatment FAST!

If you think you have the flu, come to Campus Health Services or call 966-2281 for an appointment within 48 hours of onset of symptoms because the antiviral flu medications are not as effective if begun later than 48 hours. Untreated, symptoms of the flu can last up to 7 days, usually at least 3 to 5 days. Treatment helps you feel better faster.

What is the Flu?

• The flu (or influenza) is a respiratory illness caused by airborne viruses, spread from person to person by droplets from coughing or sneezing. The incubation period is 1 to 4 days; the contagious period is 3 to 5 days from onset of symptoms.  
• "Stomach flu" is a misnomer as there are no respiratory symptoms. Nausea, vomiting and diarrhea without the fever, cough, aching and respiratory symptoms is actually a gastroenteritis, but is often called the “stomach flu”. It is caused by other microorganisms and has no relationship to true influenza.

It is Best to Prevent the Flu

• The following good health habits should be followed for flu prevention:
  • Wash your hands frequently with soap and water.
  • Avoid touching your nose and eyes as much as possible.
  • If you have a cold or the flu, sneeze or cough into a facial tissue, and promptly throw it away and wash your hands.
  • If possible, avoid close, prolonged exposure to persons who have colds.
  • Clean environmental surfaces with a virus-killing disinfectant frequently.
  • Get enough sleep, drink 4 to 8 glasses of fluids each day, eat a balanced diet, exercise, and avoid stress.
  • Don’t smoke.

• It’s best to get the flu vaccine every year.  In 2004-2005, however, a national flu vaccine shortage has restricted vaccine availability to the priority groups listed below.
  • All children aged 6-23 months
  • Adults aged 65 years and older
  • Persons aged 2-64 with underlying chronic medical conditions
  • All women who will be pregnant during the flu season
  • Residents of nursing homes and long-term care facilities
  • Children aged 6 months to 18 years on chronic aspirin therapy
  • Health-care workers involved in direct patient care
  • Out-of-home caregivers and household contacts of children <6 months ol

For more information visit the Centers for Disease Control National Immunization Program Flu Home Page. 

Chart adapted from Handbook of Nonprescription Drugs, 11th Ed. 1993, AphA

References: Current Medical Diagnosis and Treatment, 39th Edition, 2000; Control of Communicable Diseases Manual 16th Edition, 1995; Centers for Disease Control. Available URL: www.cdc.gov/flu.