By Sue Danielson, health services

Flu is on Campus

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), flu activity this season started a bit later than usual and has been less severe so far than the previous three seasons, but activity is still on the upswing and expected to continue for several weeks. Despite the warmer temperatures, flu season has come to Viterbo.

The CDC is reporting that the effectiveness of the 2015–16 flu vaccine is 60 percent. “This means that getting a flu vaccine this season reduced the risk of having to go to the doctor because of the flu by nearly 60 percent,” said Joseph Bresee, M.D., chief of the CDC’s epidemiology and prevention branch.

Flu symptoms include fever and chills, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, body aches, headaches, tiredness, and occasionally, vomiting and diarrhea. People with flu can spread it up to six feet away. It is spread by droplets when people cough, sneeze or talk, or by touching contaminated surfaces. Most healthy adults are able to spread the flu one day before the onset of symptoms, and up to five–seven days after becoming sick. This is why it is so important to stay home when you are ill.

Prevention of flu is the key to staying healthy. Getting a flu vaccination annually is very important. If you have not had your flu shot yet this season, you may still be able to get it at your clinic or local pharmacy. If you are sick, here are some tips to follow:

• Stay home when ill.
• Wash your hands frequently.
• Drink plenty of fluids.
• Use Tylenol or Ibuprofen for fever and body aches. 
• Rest as much as possible. 
• Stay home for at least 24 hours after your fever is gone.
• Antiviral medications are a treatment option. These will work better if taken within two days of symptom onset.

If you have questions, contact health services at ext. 3806 or scdanielson@viterbo.edu.