Influenza, strep throat, sinus infections, bronchitis, viral upper respiratory illness, pneumonia and gastroenteritis are all making their way around the campus as well as the Bloomington-Normal community.
Influenza illness is possible at any time of the year. However, there is typically an increase in influenza during the winter months.
The flu is a contagious respiratory illness and many people are inside and in closer contact with one another in the colder months, Diane Waters, assistant director of Student Health Services, said.
The Centers for Disease Control recommends that you stay home for at least 24 hours after your fever is gone except to get medical care if you have the flu.
There are common symptoms of the flu that students should be aware of and include, “sudden onset of fever, body aches, headaches, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose [or] fatigue,” Waters said.
If a person does contract the flu, they should, “drink plenty of fluids, get plenty of rest, and take medications for flu symptoms. Stay away from others as much as possible and cover your cough and sneezes to prevent others from getting sick,” Waters said.
“Definitely get plenty of rest, try to stay in bed as much as possible until you start to feel better, and try to drink plenty of fluids. If you don’t start to feel better after a few days, or if your fever seems to get worse, make an appointment to see a doctor,” James Almeda, health educator for Health Promotion and Wellness, said.
Waters said to help prevent contracting the flu, many students may want to get a flu shot each year as the best means of prevention. ISU students may schedule an appointment for a free flu shot at the Student Health Services.
Given that there are so many people who do get the flu, getting a flu shot will help reduce one’s risk, or if one still gets the flu, it may not affect a student as much, Almeda said.
Other ways in which people can help prevent or reduce their risk of getting the flu as well as other illnesses this season would be to “wash hands often and well. Avoid touching eyes, nose or mouth with unwashed hands,” Waters said.
She added that students should always, “keep an alcohol-based hand sanitizer handy for times when soap and water aren’t available.”
“It also helps to take care of yourself to keep your immune system strong – get enough sleep each night, get some physical activity each day, eat well and include at least five servings of fruits and vegetables each day, manage your stress, maintain healthy relationships,” Alemda said.
“And if you drink alcohol, try to limit it to know more than three drinks on any occasion,” Almeda said.
He added that cold and flu kits are available at G Spot.
If a student has a fever, muscle aches, headaches, sore throat, cough or stomach aches, schedule an appointment with Student Health Services by calling (309) 438-2778 or by going online to shs.illinoisstate.edu/appointments.