It’s flu season and as you may know, flu can be spread easily from person to person. We all need to do our part to help prevent the spread of flu through campus by following the easy steps listed below.
As a reminder, here are the symptoms of the common flu:
Influenza Symptoms:
Influenza (also known as the flu) 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. People who have the flu often feel some or all of these symptoms:
- 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's important to note that not everyone with flu will have a fever.
Therefore, we are taking steps to prevent the spread of flu at Alma College for as long as possible, but we need your help to accomplish this. Here are a few things you can do to help:
• Practice good hand hygiene by washing your hands with soap and water, especially after coughing or sneezing. Alcohol-based hand cleaners also are effective.
• Practice respiratory etiquette by covering your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. If you don’t have a tissue, cough or sneeze into your elbow or shoulder, not into your hands. Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth; germs are spread this way.
• Know the signs and symptoms of the flu. A fever is a temperature taken with a thermometer that is equal to or greater than 100 degrees Fahrenheit or 38 degrees Celsius. Look for possible signs of fever: if the person feels very warm, has a flushed appearance, or is sweating or shivering.
• Stay home if you have flu or flu-like illness for at least 24 hours after you no longer have a fever (100 degrees Fahrenheit or 38 degrees Celsius) or signs of a fever (have chills, feel very warm, have a flushed appearance, or are sweating). This should be determined without the use of fever-reducing medications (any medicine that contains ibuprofen or acetaminophen). Don’t go to class or work.
• Frequently clean your living quarters. If you live together with other students, you should frequently clean commonly-used surfaces such as doorknobs, refrigerator handles, remote controls, computer keyboards, countertops, faucet handles and bathroom areas.
• Get vaccinated for seasonal flu! Do your part to help prevent the spread of flu through your living areas, offices, and classrooms by getting the flu vaccination. Take advantage of the flu clinics offered in the Fall. If you are unable to attend the flu shot clinics you can stop by the Wilcox Health Center during their office hours to get the flu vaccination. Also if you are at higher risk for flu complications from the flu, you should consider getting the flu vaccine. People at higher risk for the flu complications include pregnant women and people with chronic medical conditions (such as asthma, heart disease, or diabetes).
Thank you,
Maggie & Amber
Wilcox Health Center
