Influenza is a contagious respiratory illness caused by flu viruses. It can cause mild to severe illness, and at times can lead to death. The flu is different from a cold. The flu usually comes on suddenly and may include any of the following, collectively known as “flu-like symptoms”:

    • Fever (usually high)
    • Headache
    • Extreme tiredness
    • Dry cough
    • Sore throat
    • Runny or stuffy nose
    • Muscle aches
    • Stomach symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea can also occur but are more common in children than adults

What to Do if You’re Sick

Stay home to avoid spreading the flu.

If possible, stay home from work, school, and errands when you are sick. You will help prevent others from catching your illness. Keep the following suggestions in mind:

    • You can still be contagious after you start feeling better
    • Consider calling your doctor’s office for symptom management rather than going to the office if your symptoms are mild and you aren’t in a high-risk group
    • Try to isolate yourself in a private room, ideally with a private bath, until symptoms subside
    • Avoid returning to school or work until you’ve been fever-free for at least 24 hours
If you’re sick, notify…
    • Roommate(s)
    • Residence Life Staff if you live in the residence halls
    • Counseling Office so they can assist you in notifying your instructors
    • Housing Office or Student Life Office

Need help scheduling a doctor’s appointment or getting a ride to the doctor or pharmacy?

 

Contact the following:
    • Student Life Office: (928) 428-8354
    • Counseling Office: (928) 428-8253
    • Residence Life staff in residence halls
    • Housing Office: (928) 428-8605

Tips to Avoid Catching the Flu

Take simple precautions
    • Get a flu shot to prevent seasonal flu
    • Get plenty of rest, eat well, and exercise regularly to maintain your natural defenses
    • Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth in case you’ve come in contact with flu germs
Wash your hands
    • Wash your hands frequently and thoroughly with warm water for at least 15 seconds
    • It is especially important to wash your hands after using the restroom, after coughing or sneezing, and before eating
    • Use soap and rub hands together vigorously to cover all surfaces
    • Use a disposable paper towel to dry hands and turn off faucet, then dispose of it properly
    • If soap and water aren’t available, use hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol
Cover up when you cough or sneeze
    • Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue every time you cough or sneeze and throw the tissue away after one use
    • If you don’t have a tissue, sneeze or cough into your sleeve, not your hands, since germs spread easily from hand to hand
    • Wash your hands as discussed above after sneezing or coughing
When around sick people
    • Avoid close contact with people who have the flu
    • Wear a face mask when you can’t avoid close proximity
    • Disinfect surfaces such as phones, keyboards, doorknobs, and faucets frequently
Resources