Influenza - Colorado College

Influenza has arrived early in Colorado this year and is now hitting Colorado Springs in full force.

WE STRONGLY RECOMMEND THAT EVERY MEMBER OF THE COLLEGE COMMUNITY, WHO IS MEDICALLY CLEARED, GET A FLU IMMUNIZATION.

It is too early to predict how this season will progress. The flu season can span the period from October to March, but the peak is difficult to determine.

How does flu spread?

The flu is caused by several strains of the Influenza Virus. The virus is spread by inhaled infectious droplets from a cough or sneeze, and from contact with contaminated surfaces, such as a door handle or telephone. If a susceptible individual inhales contaminated droplets or touches their mouth or nose after touching a contaminated surface, they could become infected. The incubation period after initial exposure is 1-3 days and the length of illness may be 7-30 days or longer, depending on complications. Approximately 36,000 people die each year in the U.S. because of influenza.

Symptoms

Common symptoms include a sudden onset of fever, sore throat, chills, headache, muscle aches, and sometimes a runny nose, nausea, and vomiting. An individual should see their physician if they are sick. A flu test can be done in the office from nasal secretions in about 20 minutes.

Seeking treatment

If diagnosed within 48 hours, a prescription medication may be given that shortens the course of the illness by several days. A patient should get plenty of rest, drink fluids, and take Acetaminophen (Tylenol) or Ibuprofen for fever and aches. Children and teenagers should avoid products containing aspirin. An ill patient should avoid going to work or class, and wear a mask if they have close contact with others. Flu patients should also wash their hands after they cough or blow their nose.

Prevention

• Get either the FLU SHOT (appropriate for age 6 months on and can be used if patient has a chronic medical condition), or FLUMIST nasal vaccine (appropriate for ages 5 to 49 years with no chronic medical conditions), if cleared to do so by your doctor. There has been a recommendation by the CDC that pediatricians vaccinate their patients over 6 months of age.



• Avoid individuals who are sick.



• Wash your hands for at least 20 seconds whenever you have touched contaminated surfaces or before you touch your eyes or blow your nose.



• Get 8 hours of sleep, control your stress, and avoid substances that weaken the immune system, such as alcohol or tobacco.