Influenza (Flu) Tips
Seasonal Flu will exhibit the following symptoms:
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Abrupt onset of Respiratory symptoms including any or all of the following, cough, nasal
congestion and sore throat.
Fever (measured fever of 100.0) or higher
Muscle aches
What can I do to protect myself from getting sick?
You can get vaccinated yearly against seasonal flu.
There are everyday actions that can help prevent the spread of germs that cause respiratory illnesses like
influenza.
Take these everyday steps to protect your health and the health of others:
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Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash
after you use it. Also consider coughing or sneezing into you bent elbow, directing the sneeze or
cough downward and avoiding contamination of hands.
Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze. Alcohol-based
hand cleaners are also effective.
Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs spread this way.
Try to avoid close contact with sick people.
CDC recommends that people with influenza-like illness remain at home until at least 24 hours
after they are free of fever (100° F [37.8°C]), or signs of a fever without the use of fever-reducing
medications in order to decrease the risk of infecting others .
If available (and tolerated) consider wearing a surgical mask to minimize spreading the virus to
others. These masks are available at drug stores and from Res. Life personnel.
What is the best technique for washing my hands to avoid getting the flu?
Washing your hands often will help protect you from germs. Wash with soap and water or clean with
alcohol-based hand cleaner. CDC recommends that when you wash your hands -- with soap and warm
water -- that you wash for 15 to 20 seconds. When soap and water are not available, alcohol-based
disposable hand wipes or gel sanitizers may be used. You can find them in most supermarkets and
drugstores. If using gel, rub your hands until the gel is dry. The gel doesn't need water to work; the alcohol
in it kills the germs on your hands.
What should I do if I get sick?
If you become ill with influenza-like symptoms, including fever, body aches, runny or stuffy nose, sore
throat, nausea, or vomiting or diarrhea, you should stay home, or in your dorm room, and avoid contact
with other people. Staying at home means that you should not leave your home except to seek medical care.
This means avoiding normal activities, including work, school, travel, shopping, social events, and public
gatherings
If you have severe illness or you are at high risk for flu complications, contact your health care provider or
seek medical care. Your health care provider will determine whether treatment is needed.
If you become sick with flu - like symptoms, make sure to rest and drink plenty of non-alcoholic fluids, like
water and Gatorade. You may want to use Over-the-Counter medications to help alleviate some of the
symptoms. You should not go to class, as you could spread infection to others. Follow the guidelines
above for staying healthy and preventing the spread of virus through coughing and sneezing.
For more information on appropriate use of Over the Counter medications, visit the University at Albany
Student Health Services website link: Self Help Cold and Flu Clinic.