Already Sick?
Here’s what to do if you are sick with the flu:
Stay home
Students with flu symptoms should stay home. Ill students should limit contact with others who are not sick. Those with flu-like symptoms should not return to class until they no longer have a fever (a temperature of less than 100.5º F) for at least 24 hours without the use of fever-reducing medications.
Inform instructors
Students with the flu should email their professors as soon as possible and let them know they have the flu. Residential students who are ill also may contact their residential leader or residential community director for assistance.
Order meals
Residential students who have the flu may order meals for pickup from Dining Services. Call 254-968-9445 for more information.
Seek medical attention
Students should seek medical attention if they have acute symptoms such as body aches, cough or a fever of more than 100.5º F. They should talk with a provide about appropriate medicine to treat flu or flu-like symptoms.
If students get worse after being on the medication for three or four days, they should come back to the Health Center to have their lungs rechecked to make sure they have not developed a secondary infection. Those with chronic health conditions, such as asthma, or complications should call the Health Center at 254-968-9271.
Cold or Flu?
| Symptoms | Cold | Flu |
|---|---|---|
| Fever | Rare | Usual, high (102 to 104 degrees) |
| Headache | Rare | Common |
| Aches, pains | Slight | Usual, often severe |
| Fatigue | Sometimes | Usual, can last up to 3 weeks |
| Extreme Exhaustion | Never | Usual, at start of illness |
| Stuffy Nose | Common | Sometimes |
| Sneezing | Usual | Sometimes |
| Sore Throat | Common | Sometimes |
| Chest Discomfort, cough | Mild to moderate | Common, can be severe |
411 on Cleaning and Contamination
How long can influenza virus remain viable on objects (such as books and doorknobs)?
Studies have shown that influenza virus can survive on environmental surfaces and can infect a person for 2 to 8 hours after being deposited on the surface.
Source: CDC
What kills influenza virus?
Influenza virus is destroyed by heat (167-212°F [75-100°C]). In addition, several chemical germicides, including chlorine, hydrogen peroxide, detergents (soap), iodophors (iodine-based antiseptics), and alcohols are effective against human influenza viruses if used in proper concentration for a sufficient length of time.
Source: CDC
What if soap and water are not available and alcohol-based products are not allowed in my facility?
If soap and water are not available and alcohol-based products are not allowed, other hand sanitizers that do not contain alcohol may be useful.
Source: CDC
What surfaces are most likely to be sources of contamination?
Germs can be spread when a person touches something that is contaminated with germs and then touches his or her eyes, nose, or mouth. Droplets from a cough or sneeze of an infected person move through the air. Germs can be spread when a person touches respiratory droplets from another person on a surface like a desk, for example, and then touches their own eyes, mouth or nose before washing their hands.
Source: CDC
How should waste disposal be handled to prevent the spread of influenza virus?
To prevent the spread of influenza virus, it is recommended that tissues and other disposable items used by an infected person be thrown in the trash. Additionally, persons should wash their hands with soap and water after touching used tissues and similar waste.
Source: CDC
What household cleaning should be done to prevent the spread of influenza virus?
To prevent the spread of influenza virus it is important to keep surfaces (especially bedside tables, surfaces in the bathroom, kitchen counters and toys for children) clean by wiping them down with a household disinfectant according to directions on the product label.
Source: CDC
How should linens, eating utensils and dishes of persons infected with influenza virus be handled?
Linens, eating utensils, and dishes belonging to those who are sick do not need to be cleaned separately, but importantly these items should not be shared without washing thoroughly first.
Linens (such as bed sheets and towels) should be washed by using household laundry soap and tumbled dry on a hot setting. Individuals should avoid “hugging” laundry prior to washing it to prevent contaminating themselves. Individuals should wash their hands with soap and water or alcohol-based hand rub immediately after handling dirty laundry.
Eating utensils should be washed either in a dishwasher or by hand with water and soap.
Source: CDC
Students can schedule a free appointment at the Student Health Center. Take advantage of this valuable resource for your health and well-being!