Fighting the Flu

All About the Flu

It’s that time again - the dreaded “flu season”!

But there is a lot you can do to protect yourself and others against it, as well as to look after yourself should you be one of the unlucky ones. The true “flu” - influenza, not to be confused with “stomach flu” - is quite a bit worse than a common cold and will make you miserable and keep you home for a few days, but most people will make it through without complications. However, if you are at risk for more severe disease look out for warning signs. Read more below, and be well!

What is the Flu?

The flu is a contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses that infect the nose, throat, and sometimes the lungs. In the US, the flu usually occurs between November and April, although it varies slightly from year to year.

Symptoms are similar to a cold but generally hit faster and harder -- enough to make you want to stay in bed, which is exactly what you should do! Complications are uncommon in young, healthy people but may include pneumonia, bronchitis, and ear or sinus infections. Most deaths from flu are in children under 5 years old and adults older than 65. The best way to prevent the flu is by getting a flu vaccine each year. 

Signs and Symptoms of Flu

People who have the flu often feel some or all of these signs and symptoms that usually start suddenly not gradually:

  • Fever or feeling feverish/chills
  • Cough
  • Sore throat
  • Runny or stuffy nose
  • Muscle or body aches
  • Headaches
  • Fatigue (very tired)
  • Some people may have vomiting and diarrhea, though this is more common in young children than in adults.

How Flu Spreads

Most experts believe that flu viruses spread mainly by tiny droplets made when people with flu cough, sneeze, talk, or perhaps breathe. These droplets can land in the mouths or noses of people who are nearby. Less often, a person might also get the flu by touching a surface or object that has the flu virus on it and then touching their own mouth, nose, or possibly their eyes.

Period of Contagiousness

You may be able to pass on the flu to someone else before you know you are sick, as well as while you are sick. Although people with the flu are most contagious in the first 3-4 days of their illness, some people, especially young children, and people with weakened immune systems, might be able to infect others with flu viruses for an even longer time.

What should I do if I get sick?

Most people with the flu have mild illness and do not need medical care or antiviral drugs. If, however, you have symptoms of the flu and are in a high-risk group, or are very sick or worried about your illness, contact your healthcare provider (doctor, physician assistant, etc.). Antiviral medications can lessen the severity of the illness and prevent complications if started within the first 48 hours of symptoms.

If you experience any of the following warning signs, seek urgent medical care:

  • Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
  • Pain or pressure in the chest or abdomen
  • Significant dizziness
  • Confusion
  • Severe or persistent vomiting
  • Fever (temperature >100.4° F) lasting for more than three days, or greater than 104 degrees (40° C) despite fever-reducing medications

How to help yourself feel better until you recover

  • Rest: The most important thing you can do is to stay home and get plenty of rest to give your body a chance to recover, and to avoid exposing others. Listen to your body: sleep as much as you need.
  • Hydrate by drinking lots of water, tea, etc. You get dehydrated very quickly when you have a fever. Don't smoke or drink alcohol.
  • Over-the-Counter Medications: For fever, muscle aches, sore throat, or a headache you can take ibuprofen (like Motrin or Advil) three 200 mg pills with food every 8 hours. If fever is still high, you can add acetaminophen (like Tylenol) – 650 mg every 4-6 hours, up to a maximum of 3000 mg in 24 hours. This will help a lot! It may be helpful to alternate ibuprofen and Tylenol. Please follow directions, do not exceed recommended dosages, and seek advice if a fever > 100°F continues for more than three days. 
  • Cough: You can buy cough medicine with dextromethorphan, but hot tea with honey is at least as good. Breathing in steam is very soothing, and cough lozenges with ingredients like honey or menthol can help keep the cough under control during the day especially if you have to be alert. If the cough is really bothersome and keeps you awake at night, prescription cough medicine will help.

Preventing Seasonal Flu

The flu shot is recommended for almost everyone over the age of 6 months. During influenza season, students can get a flu shot at UHS.

There are other everyday actions you can do to help prevent the spread of germs that cause illnesses like influenza:  

  • Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it. Wash your hands afterward.
  • Most importantly, wash your hands with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze. Alcohol-based hand cleaners are also effective. The virus spreads from coughing the virus out into the air and from touching surfaces with your hands.
  • Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth to reduce the spread of germs.

For up-to-date information on how to access flu vaccines at UHS see our flu shots page.

For more information about the flu, visit the CDC website.