Cold/Flu: Hand Hygiene and Respiratory Etiquette
How you can help stop the spread of germs and protect yourself and others:
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Wash your hands frequently with soap and water or use an alcohol-based hand cleaner (hand sanitizing stations are located around campus).
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Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth.
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Avoid contact with people who are ill.
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Cover your nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing, immediately disposing of the tissue in trash after use.
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Maintain good health and adequate nutrition, sleep, exercise, hydration and stress control.
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Stay home or in your residence hall room if you are suffering from any of these symptoms: Fever accompanied by sore throat, body aches, cough, headache, chills, fatigue and occasional nausea or vomiting.
"An ounce of prevention is worth a pound a cure.”
What is the difference between my symptoms, cold or flu?
|
Symptoms |
Cold |
Flu |
|
Fever |
Rare |
102-104 degrees F, lasts 3-4 Days |
|
|
Headache |
Rare |
Prominent |
|
|
Body Aches |
Rare |
Common; often severe |
|
|
Fatigue, Weakness |
Mild |
Symptom can last up to 3 weeks |
|
|
Extreme Exhaustion |
Never |
Early and prominent |
|
|
Stuffy Nose |
Usual |
Common |
|
|
Sneezing |
Usual |
Mild |
|
|
Sore Throat |
Common |
Mild |
|
|
Chest Discomfort, Cough |
Mild to Moderate |
Common, can become severe |
|
|
Complications |
Earache, Sinus |
Bronchitis, pneumonia, immunity weakness |
|
|
Prevention |
None |
Vaccination |
|
|
Treatment |
Over the counter medication, rest |
Armantadine 24-48 hours after onset of symptoms, rest |
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Facts about the flu
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It is a respiratory illness; the "stomach flu” is caused by certain other bacteria, viruses or parasites.
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Most flu-like symptoms in adults include fever, headache, exhaustion, coughing, sore throat, congestion, and muscle aches.
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The flu can present itself as a cold at first, but symptoms must be monitored.
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One to four days after exposure a person will feel the onset of symptoms.
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