Campus Connection

The virus typically spreads fast on campus When students return to college after winter break, they bring back more than just groceries and clean clothes. The flu bug often comes along for the ride and quickly spreads around UW-La Crosse. Because college students live in such close proximity, they are at greater risk of contracting the flu than the overall population, notes Brian Allen, director of UWL’s Student Health Center. Flu season usually peaks at UWL at the end of February. Typically about five UWL students are hospitalized each year because of the flu. No cases of the flu were recorded on campus or in Wisconsin before winter break, indicating it will likely be a mild season, says Allen. But it’s also hard to predict, he adds. If you haven’t already — Get the flu shot Offering the flu vaccine at the Student Health Center does reduce the number of cases, says Allen. Based on past records, if the center administers at least 1,000 flu vaccines, the campus tends to have a milder year, he says. By the end of December 2015, the center had reached 1,000 vaccinations. Students can continue to get the vaccine at the center, located inside the Health Science Center, through the end of February. Students typically will gain good immunity within two weeks of receiving the shot and Allen recommends getting it even if it is mid-flu season. The shot costs $12 and may be covered by a student’s insurance. What to do if you get the flu If students notice flu symptoms they should visit the health center within 48 hours to be tested and treated. Treating the flu helps lower chances of complications like pneumonia or spreading it. Treatment can also be taken prophylactically if an individual notices a roommate or someone close to them contracts it. In the past, entire residence hall floors have opted to take prophylactics to prevent the spread. An exam to test for flu at the center is covered by student fees. Medicine is sometimes covered by insurance. Students and staff can also help prevent the spread by not going to class or work, until their fever is gone without the use of fever-reducing drugs for 24 hours, says Allen. Other tips Most experts say the flu is transmitted by droplets that travel through the air when someone who is sick either coughs, sneezes or talks and the droplets land on someone else. Less frequently, it is transmitted when someone touches a surface or object that has the virus on it and then touches their own mouth or nose, according to the Center for Disease Control. To avoid getting the flu or spreading it:

• Wash your hands or use hand sanitizer
• Get a lot of sleep
• Drink a lot of fluids
• Eat healthy foods
• Use a towel or shirt sleeve to open doors
• Cough into your sleeve or elbow
• Isolate yourself until you haven’t shown any symptoms for 24 hours
• Clean your workspace regularly with an antiseptic cleaner, especially if you see a lot of other people in your workspace

Flu testing and surveillance site The Student Health Center continues to be a site to test new drugs for treatment of the flu through the Department of Defense. Students or staff with flu symptoms who opt to help test for new treatments receive monetary compensation and are closely monitored by health center staff, including blood draws. UWL 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. Preliminary results from past flu treatment studies involving health center patients have shown promise for new drugs; however, they are not yet approved through the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, says Allen. The Student Health Center is also 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. Students who visit the center can opt to be tested to see whether they have the flu. This means some tests can be offered at no charge. Signs and symptoms of the flu:

• Muscle aches
• Fever
• Chills
• Runny nose
• Cough
• Scratchy throat
• Headaches
• Fatigue
• Nausea and vomiting

Note: Nausea and vomiting without sever aches and fever is likely not the flu. 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