Helpful Information Regarding the Flu (Influenza)

News
 

Influenza activity is high throughout the country and JMU is no exception. Here are some tips you may find helpful:

  • When flu activity is high, the diagnosis is made on a clinical basis. Medical providers make the diagnosis when a patient has signs and symptoms of the flu including:
    • Fever
    • Headache and body aches
    • Fatigue
    • Upper respiratory symptoms (runny nose, sore throat, cough)
    • Occasionally nausea and vomiting
  • Flu testing is unnecessary and not recommended when flu activity is high.
  • In most people, influenza is a self-limited illness and is treated with rest, fluids, and medicine to treat symptoms (such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen).
  • Tamiflu, the antiviral medication, is not recommended for college-age, typically healthy patients. Those with chronic asthma, other underlying serious medical conditions, or on medicine that affects the immune system, should receive this medication.
  • Seek medical evaluation if you have any serious medical conditions, have trouble breathing, persistent vomiting, confusion, dizziness, or fainting.
  • TO PREVENT SPREADING INFLUENZA: Wash hands regularly and if you are sick, cover your cough and isolate yourself from others. You are most contagious when you have a fever so isolate yourself until the fever has been gone for 24 hours.
  • Resources: https://www.jmu.edu/healthcenter/Forms/resource-sheets/Influenza1.pdf or: https://www.cdc.gov/flu/index.htm

Back to Top

Published: Monday, November 6, 2017

Last Updated: Thursday, November 2, 2023

Related Articles