The Flu (Influenza)

Flu season is upon us, and San Diego County has seen an upsurge in the number of patients. Read more about what you can do.

Stay at home or in your room until at least 24hrs after the fever has stopped. You are contagious while you are having a fever.
If you need advice, call Student Health at 858-534-3300 to speak to a nurse OR go to our home page under "Online Services" and click on "Your Secure Messages" to send a direct message to the Advice Nurse. We recommend that you do this first before coming into Student Health, as coming in could unnecessarily expose others to your illness.
ANTIBIOTICS are not effective for influenza as it is a virus.
Flu lasts for 7-10 days, and the cough can last longer.
Rest and drink plenty of fluids including water, broth and Gatorade.
Take Tylenol or ibuprofen for fever and aches.
Come in to Student Health if you have signs or symptoms of a serious illness (a fever lasting longer than 3-4 days, difficulty breathing, rash, severe headache, dehydration) or have a high risk condition (asthma, diabetes, immunosuppression or other chronic condition). Otherwise you are best off staying at home or in your room.
If you miss classes due to illness, please read our policy on Medical Excuses: https://wellness.ucsd.edu/studenthealth/Pages/default.aspx#3

Flu comes on suddenly and you will usually have fever, body aches and a headache.
Chest discomfort and a cough are common and can be severe.
There is sometimes accompanying sneezing, stuffy nose and a sore throat.
It lasts for 7-10 days, and the cough can last longer.

Prevention: http://www.countynewscenter.com/what-to-do-to-avoid-the-flu/

Where to obtain flu vaccine?

Flu Clinics will be held at the following locations (all walk-in, no appointment needed).

All Flu Clinics will also provide Tdap Vaccine for students who need to complete their incoming immunization requirements.

Flu vaccine : $0 with SHIP; $25.00 with RAFT or other insurance

Tdap vaccine: $0 with SHIP; $40.00 with RAFT or other insurance

Location: Student Health Services Nurses Clinic

Location: the Zone, PC Plaza (next to Jamba Juice) 11:00-4:00pm

Flu Vaccine in the Community - Check this link for availability.

Find out if what you have is a cold or the flu.

Get the flu vaccine.
Wash hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after a sneeze or cough. Use alcohol-based hand cleansers if soap and water is not available
Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth
Frequently wipe down areas, doorknobs, and phones used by multiple people with a disinfectant (Clorox wipes work well)
Get adequate sleep and exercise, eat healthy meals, and try to reduce stress
Avoid contact with others you know to be ill. If you must be near others who are ill, keep at least 6 feet distance

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