If you have the flu, stay home, follow doctor's recommendations.  If you don't have the flu it's not to late to get a flu shot. 

FREE Flu Kits: Wed, Jan 23 YU 11am-1pm

FREE Flu Shots (students only): Mon, Jan 28 YU 11am-1pm

FIGHT THE FLU

Seasonal Flu

}  Seasonal flu is a contagious respiratory illness caused by flu viruses.  Approximately 5-20% of US residents get the flu each year.

}  Flu season typically peaks in Jan or Feb

}  Getting the flu vaccine is your best protection against the flu.

}  Flu-related complications include pneumonia and dehydration.

}  Illness from seasonal flu usually last 1-2 weeks.

When is the flu season?

}  In the US, flu season occurs in the fall and winter.  Seasonal flu activity usually peaks in Jan or Feb, but it can occur as early as Oct and as late as May.

How does the flu spread?

}  Most experts believe that you get the flu when a person with the flu coughs, sneezes, or talks, and droplets containing their germs land in your mouth ornose.  You can also get the flu by touching a surface or object that has the flu virus on it and them touching your mouth, eyes, or nose.

Who is at risk?

}  Seniors - 65 and older

}  Children - especially those under 2

}  People with chronic health conditions

How can you protect yourself?

}  Get the flu vaccine as soon as it is available in your area.  The 2012-2013 vaccine is now available. 

}  CDC Says "Take 3" Actions

                                1 Take time to get a flu vaccine

                                2 Take everyday preventive actions

Hand washing with soap and warm water often.

Cover your nose and mouth when you cough or sneeze.

Avoid being around people who are sick.

Do not share cups, straws, etc.

Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.

                                3 Take flu antiviral meds if your doctor

                                  prescribes them

What are common complications from the flu?

}  Bacterial pneumonia

}  Ear or sinus infections

}  Dehydration

}  Worsening of chronic health conditions

}  Each year 200,000 people in the US are hospitalized for flu-related complications.

How long are you contagious?

}  Most healthy adults can infect others one day before symptoms develop and 5-7 days after symptoms appear.  Some people,especially young children and people with weakened immune systems, might be contagious for a longer period of time.

How many times can you become infected with the seasonal flu?

}  You are unlikely to get infected with the same exact strain of flu more than once.  It is possible to be infected with the flu virus more than once in a season because several different strains of flu virus circulate each year.  Exposure to a particular strain of flu virus may help protect you against that strain in the future.  But will not protect you from infection with other flu virus strains.

Is the stomach flu really the flu?

}  Many people use stomach flu to describe illness with nausea, vomiting or diarrhea.  Many different viruses,bacteria or parasites can cause these symptoms. While the flu can sometimes cause vomiting, diarrhea, and nausea these problems are rarely the main symptoms of the flu.  The flu is a respiratory disease and not a stomach or intestinal disease.

Symptoms

}  Body aches

}  Tiredness

}  Cough

}  100degree temp or higher or feverish

}  Sore throat

}  Headaches

}  Chills

}  Nausea,vomiting and/or diarrhea (most common in children)

Do I have a cold or the flu?

}  The flu and the common cold have similar symptoms. It can be difficult to tell the difference between them.  Your health care provider can give you a test within the first few days of your illness to determine whether or not you have the flu.

}  In general, the flu is worse than the common cold. People with colds are more likely to have runny or stuffy nose.

When should I seek emergency medical attention?

}  Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath

}  Purple or blue discoloration of lips

}  Pain or pressure in the chest or abdomen

}  Sudden dizziness

}  Confusion

}  Severe or persistent vomiting

}  Seizures

}  Flu-like symptoms that improve but then return with fever or worse cough

For more information go to www.flu.gov or stop by Student Health & Counseling Services

For medical assistance go to the Mariner Medical Clinic in Superior or call 715-395-3900 for an appointment.