FLU SEASON UPDATE
January 22, 2013
As most of you are aware, the state of Massachusetts and most of the United States is experiencing high numbers of influenza infection. Influenza is a respiratory illness that most times presents suddenly with high fever, body aches, headache and cough.
Though this news is no cause for alarm, it is important that we use all the means we have to help prevent this contagious illness. From all available information, it is very clear that the best defenses - both for yourself and those around you - is in personal behavior geared toward prevention and getting good information. Please see the Centers for Disease Control website (http://www.cdc.gov/flu/) for the most up-to-date information.
WAYS TO AVOID GETTING THE FLU
- Get a flu shot, it is not too late! We have a limited number of flu shots available at no charge and we will be conducting FLU CLINICS IN THE STUDENT CENTER ALL WEEK TUESDAY, JANUARY 22 THROUGH FRIDAY JANUARY 25, FROM 12:30-1:30. Or call Student Health Service at 617.349.8222 to schedule an appointment.
- Wash your hands frequently and use hand sanitizers often.
- Avoid those who are ill, if possible. If your roommate gets the flu, you may want to stay with a friend in another residence hall room. Inform your C.A. of where you are temporarily staying.
- Clean high touch surfaces in your room with an anti-bacterial cleaner (disinfectant wipes are very good).
- Cough into your sleeve or a tissue and not directly into your hands.
- If you do not have clean hands, avoid touching your face when you are ill or healthy as this spreads germs!
The treatment for influenza for otherwise healthy people is “supportive”, meaning that our recommendations will often be that you rest, take plenty of fluids and fever reducing medicine if you are diagnosed with the flu. Anti-viral medications (Tamiflu and Relenza) are not recommended in most cases of flu. In addition, most people who are infected with these illnesses will not require medical care.
HOW DO YOU KNOW IF YOU HAVE THE FLU?
___Yes___No Do you have a cough?
___Yes___No Do you have a sore throat?
___Yes___No Do you have a headache, body aches or chills?
___Yes___No Do you have a fever of 100°F or more?
If you checked yes to FEVER of 100 °F or more And Cough and/or Sore Throat: You have an influenza-like illness.
If you have flu-like symptoms, you have a real responsibility to help prevent the spread of flu to those around you. Stay home and do not attend classes until at least 24 hours after your fever has subsided without the use of medicine such as Tylenol.
CARING FOR YOURSELF
- Please notify Student Health Service by phone at 617.349.8222 so that we can help assess your illness.
- If it is determined that you have flu like symptoms and you will not be able to attend classes, it is important that you:
- Notify your faculty/instructors as soon as possible by email to inform them that you are ill with the flu.
- Notify Student Health Service or email Dean Mays, the Dean of Student Life, at nmays@lesley.edu so that we can follow up with your faculty to make certain that they received your email. Please remember to tell us what school you are in (AIB or LA&PS).
- If you are sick with the flu and residing on campus, and if it is at all possible to go home, that is highly recommended. If you cannot go home, stay in your room and in bed. Self-isolate, try not to leave your room other than to use the bathroom. Establish a flu buddy ahead of time.
- A “Flu Buddy” is a friend who can help bring you food, drinks, and supplies; contact your C.A. who will give you a flu care kit and can help you establish a flu buddy.
- If you are living off campus, recruit a friend (your “Flu Buddy”) to help care for you and help bring food and supplies to you.
- Take fever reducers like acetaminophen (Tylenol), ibuprofen (Advil), or naproxen (Aleve) if you have a fever. If your fever persists for more than 3 days in spite of fever reducers, please seek medical care.
- Drink plenty of clear fluids that contain electrolytes (such as ginger ale, sports drinks, tea with honey or sugar, broths) and contact Student Health Service if you are consistently unable to keep fluids down because of vomiting.
- Do not attend classes or be in public with others until your fever is normal without taking fever reducing medications for at least 24 hours.
- Students should feel free to call Student Health Service at 617.349.8222 for medical advice if you are unsure of what to do after reading this information.
WHEN TO SEEK IMMEDIATE MEDICAL CARE
If the sick person experiences:
- Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
- Purple or blue discoloration of the lips
- Pain or pressure in the chest or abdomen
- Sudden dizziness
- Confusion
- Severe or persistent vomiting
- Seizures
- Flu-like symptoms that improve but then return with fever and worse cough
Nurse Lines
Many insurance companies have 24 hour “ask a nurse” phone lines. Check your insurance cards or insurance provider and keep the number available. This is a great resource for questions about how to care for yourself and when to seek immediate care. IF YOU HAVE THE LESLEY STUDENT HEALTH INSURANCE, THE 24 HOUR NURSE LINE IS: 1.888.247.2583.