Influenza (Flu) Basics
a.k.a. Flu (Influenza) Basics
Overview: The flu is a contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses. It can cause mild to severe illness, and at times can lead to death. The best way to prevent the flu is by getting a flu vaccination each year.
Cold and flu are both caused by a virus. Antibiotics cannot cure a virus; in fact antibiotics, used inappropriately, can promote bacteria that are resistant to antibiotics we normally use. Therefore, in cases where influenza is diagnosed, you will probably not be given an antibiotic—they won’t work against the virus causing the flu, and may have a harmful effect in the long run.
Influenza usually starts suddenly and may include the following symptoms:
• Fever (usually high)
• Headache
• Tiredness (can be extreme)
• Cough
• Sore throat Runny or stuffy nose
• Body aches
• Diarrhea and vomiting (more common among children than adults)
Having these symptoms does not always mean that you have the flu. Many different illnesses, including the common cold, can have similar symptoms. To help you care for symptoms with the right medicines and treatments, schedule an appointment with TSHC or call and ask for a triage nurse.
What Thielen Student Health Center Can Do For You: We offer preventative medicine in the form of influenza vaccination during flu season. These shots are available at low cost from TSHC and when we do our offsite vaccination clinics. These vaccines are administered by appointment after October 1 of the academic year, or at our annual Fright the Flu Fest on campus. For more information, check our homepage for clinic dates or call us to schedule and appointment.
Your body has a preprogrammed immune system that can clear the viral infection, but it takes seven to ten days. You can help your body fight the infection by just getting rest, drinking extra fluids, steaming yourself in a hot shower, eliminating tobacco use, and eating chicken soup.
There are also medicines to help manage symptoms of a cold or flu. These help manage the symptoms—they do not make the virus or cold go away. That is up to the immune system, and takes seven to ten days. Over the counter medicines are available through the TSHC pharmacy to help manage symptoms, and the pharmacy staff can assist you in choosing the most appropriate medication without a prescription for your symptoms.
Resources
Last update: 04 Feb 2009
For more information, please contact:
Iowa State University
Thielen Student Health Center
515-294-5801
