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.
What do I do if I get sick? https://wellness.ucsd.edu/studenthealth/resources/health-topics/Pages/cold-flu.aspx
- 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
Is it the flu?http://www.cdc.gov/flu/consumer/symptoms.htm
- 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/
- It's not too late to get the FLU VACCINE! Come in to the SHS Nurses Clinic and receive one or attend one of our two remaining Flu Clinics at the Zone January 19th & 23rd.
- Frequent handwashing with soap & water OR alcohol hand wash.
- Ensure adequate sleep/hydration/exercise/nutrition.
Tamiflu - Please note:
There is a national shortage of Tamiflu (an antiviral medicine, sometimes prescribed for the flu) at this time. The earliest we might have Tamiflu available is in 2-3 weeks, but there is no guarantee.
Where to obtain flu vaccine?
Flu Vaccine is available in Student Health Nurses Clinic - walk in, no appointment needed!
Flu Vaccine in the Community - Check this link for availability.
How do I know if I have the flu?
Find out if what you have is a
cold or the flu.
How can I avoid getting the flu?
- Get the flu vaccine.
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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
Learn more about the flu here:
http://www.cdc.gov/flu/keyfacts.htm 