Influenza

Overview

Flu is a contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses that infect the nose, throat, and sometimes the lungs. It can cause mild to severe illness, and at times can lead to death. The best way to prevent flu is by getting a flu vaccine each year.

Signs and Symptoms

Influenza (flu) can cause mild to severe illness, and at times can lead to death. Flu symptoms usually come on suddenly. People who have flu often feel some or all of these symptoms:

Sudden onset
fever* or feeling feverish/chills
cough
sore throat
runny or stuffy nose
muscle or body aches
headaches
fatigue (tiredness)
some people may have vomiting and diarrhea, though this is more common in children than adults.

*It is important to note that not everyone with flu will have a fever.

Transmission

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

Preventive Measures

The first and most important step in preventing flu is to get a flu vaccine each year. Flu vaccine has been shown to reduce flu related illnesses and the risk of serious flu complications that can result in hospitalization or even death. To help slow the spread of germs that cause respiratory illnesses like flu, the CDC recommends everyday preventive actions such as avoiding those who are sick, covering coughs and sneezes, and frequent handwashing,

Vaccination

The CDC recommends everyone get a flu vaccine every season with rare exceptions. Flu vaccination is the most important step you can take to protect yourself against the flu virus. Vaccination can reduce flu illnesses, visits to doctor’s offices, and missed work and school due to flu, as well as make symptoms less severe and reduce flu-related hospitalizations and deaths.

Student health services STRONGLY recommends all students receive the flu vaccine each year, preferably in October, however this is not a requirement for admission.

Vaccine Clinics- Fall 2023

Student Health Services is partnering with Safeway Pharmacy to host several vaccine clinics on campus. This is a quick and convenient way for the community to protect themselves from the flu. Updated bivalent Covid vaccines will also be available at these clinics. Most insurance is accepted, please bring your insurance card with you.

More Information

For more information about Influenza or influenza vaccines, please see the CDC Website.