Campus Connection

Five tips to avoid catching the flu

UW-L’s Student Health Center expects a significant number of students to return with the flu bug after break, considering the outbreak has spread so broadly across the nation, says Brian Allen, director of the Student Health Center. “Typically we get big influx of the flu when students come back. What’s unusual this year is that we had more cases prior to break than usual — this is evidence that it could be bigger than past years,” says Allen. Two reported cases of the flu are spreading nationally: Influenza A and B. Influenza A is typically a high fever (over 100 F), significant coughing, sore throat and aching all over. Influenza B has similar symptoms, but not as severe. Allen says a common misconception is that the flu means nausea and vomiting. While those symptoms are common with the stomach flu, they are not characteristic of all flu viruses and these symptoms aren’t characteristic of Influenza A or B. Flu cases typically peak at the end of February and have a tendency to spread rapidly on residence hall floors, says Allen. If students come down with symptoms, Allen recommends they visit the Student Health Center for testing and treatment within 48 hours of when they become sick. Treating the flu helps lower chances of complications like pneumonia or spreading it. Treatment also can also be taken prophylactically if an individual notices a roommate or someone close to them contracts it. Allen also recommends people who contract the flu don’t go to class or work. While absence may require a note from a doctor, people should be out of class or work until their fever is gone without a fever-reducing drug for 24 hours. Dr. Allen’s top 5 ways to avoid catching the flu

1. Wash your hands frequently. Sing “Happy birthday,” “Old MacDonald,” or whatever you like, but wash for 20 seconds. Then, use a towel to turn off the water and open the door. If there is no towel available, use a shirt sleeve.
2. Keep your hands away from your nose. All influenza viruses enter through the nose, usually from picking the nose.
3. If you didn’t get the flu shot, get it. The flu shot is working to defend against the flu. The Student Health Center is still offering shots to both students and staff.
4. Clean your work space regularly with an antiseptic cleaner, especially if you see a lot of other people in your workspace.
5. Be proactive about good health. Eat right and get enough sleep.

 

The Student Health Center

Location: First Floor, Health Science Center, 1300 Badger St. Phone: 608.785.8558

• Call for appointments or questions
• Walk-ins with the flu are welcome
• Get shots
• Learn more

The Student Health Center is a state surveillance site for influenza. Staff collect specimens and send them to a state health department lab to help track what is spreading around the state. This means some tests can be offered at no charge.

Treatment study

UW-L’s Student Health Center is participating in a study for treatment of the flu through the Department of Defense. UW-L students or staff who are interested in participating in the study who have flu symptoms and haven’t had a shot, can contact the Student Health Center for more information. Participants will be reimbursed for their time.