Flu: The College at Brockport

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What is the flu?

Influenza, commonly called the flu, is a viral respiratory infection
There are a number of different strains of flu.
It is estimated that 10 – 20 % of Americans will contract the flu each year.
The typical flu season lasts from November to March.
The flu almost never causes symptoms in the stomach. When someone says (s)he has the stomach flu, it is not influenza.
Symptoms usually begin 1 – 4 days after you have become infected with the flu.
You can spread the flu before you even know you have it.
You continue to be contagious for 3 – 4 days after your symptoms begin.

The flu vaccine that is available in the fall can help prevent or minimize an episode of the flu.
Support your immune system by eating healthy foods and getting enough rest.
Wash your hands frequently.
Avoid areas where there are people who are ill. Don’t go hang out with a group of friends who all have the flu.)

Rest
Take over the counter medicines like Tylenol or Advil to help ease your discomfort.
Drink plenty of fluids.
There are some anti-viral medicines that can be taken to promote your recovery. Antibiotics will not be helpful in recovering from the flu.

Symptoms	Cold	Flu
Fever	Mild	Usually high,102–104; lasts 3–4 days
Headache	Rare	Prominent
Body aches	Mild	Often Severe
Fatigue, weakness	Mild	Usual, lasts up to 2 – 3 weeks
Extreme exhaustion	Never	Prominent early
Stuffy nose	Common	Occasional
Sneezing	Usual	Occasional
Sore Throat	Common	Occasional
Chest discomfort, cough	Mild to moderate, hacking cough	Common, often severe