Frequently Asked Questions about the Flu

Flu Symptoms

What are the symptoms of the flu?

Influenza symptoms include:

  • Fever, chills (but not everyone with flu has a fever)
  • Sore throat, headache, cough
  • Body aches, fatigue
  • Possible diarrhea and vomiting

If you have any of these symptoms, you are strongly encouraged to contact the Health and Counseling Center (HCC) or your primary care physician. To protect yourself, you should practice good hygiene, including frequent hand washing, covering your nose and mouth with your sleeve if you cough or sneeze, and avoiding touching your eyes, nose or mouth with your hands.

Most people with flu get better within a few days to 2 weeks, but some may worsen and develop complications such as pneumonia, which can be life-threatening.

What warning signs should I look for that would indicate that I need to call the DU Health and Counseling Center right away?

In adults, emergency warning signs that need urgent medical attention include:

  • Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
  • Pain or pressure in the chest or abdomen
  • Sudden dizziness
  • Confusion
  • Severe or persistent vomiting
  • Flu-like symptoms improve but then return with fever and cough

What should I do if I get sick?

If you become ill with fever, body aches, runny or stuffy nose, sore throat, nausea, or vomiting or diarrhea, you should stay home except to go to the doctor. You should stay home or in your residence hall for at least 24 hours after you are free of fever (100 F [37.80 C]), or signs of a fever without the use of fever-reducing medications. This is to keep from infecting others and spreading the virus further. If you are very sick or you are at high risk for flu complications, contact your doctor or health care provider. (See http://www.cdc.gov/flu/takingcare.htm for directions on how to take care of yourself when you have influenza.

Flu Virus Transmission

How does the flu spread?

Flu viruses are spread mainly from person to person through coughing or sneezing. Sometimes people may become infected by touching something with flu viruses on it and then touching their mouth or nose. This can be prevented by frequent hand washing. See http://www.cdc.gov/flu/about/disease/spread.htm for more information.

How long can an infected person spread this virus to others?

Studies have shown that people may be contagious from one day before they appear sick until at least 24 hours after fever has resolved.

How long can flu viruses live on objects such as books and doorknobs?

Studies show that flu viruses can survive on surfaces for 2 to 8 hours after being deposited on the surface. Frequent hand washing will help you reduce the chance of getting contaminated from common surfaces.

Flu Prevention Information

What is the best way to keep from spreading the virus?

If you are sick, limit your contact with other people as much as possible. Do not go to work or school if you are ill. Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing to help protect those around you. Put your used tissue in the waste basket. Cover your cough or sneeze with your arm (not your hands) if you do not have a tissue. Then, clean your hands, and do so every time you cough or sneeze.

Are there other ways to prevent the spread of illness?

Take everyday actions to stay healthy.

  • Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it.
  • Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze. Alcohol-based hands cleaners are also effective.
  • Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs spread that way.
  • Stay home if you get sick. The CDC recommends that you stay home from work or school for at least 24 hours after you are free of fever (100 F [37.80 C]), or signs of a fever without the use of fever-reducing medications and limit contact with others to keep from infecting them.
  • Learn more at http://www.cdc.gov/flu/protect/preventing.htm

What should I do to keep myself from getting sick?

It is strongly recommended that you get a flu vaccination. There are also some simple actions that can help prevent the spread of germs that cause illnesses like flu. These include the following measures:

  • Wash Your Hands - Use soap, hot water, & scrub for at least 20 seconds
  • Avoid touching your mouth, nose & eyes
  • Get the seasonal flu vaccine
  • Get plenty of sleep - this means feeling well rested upon waking
  • Refrain from smoking & avoid secondhand smoke exposure
  • Drink plenty of water each day
  • Refrain from alcohol - alcohol dehydrates you & lowers your immune response system.
  • Reduce your stress - Find ways to cope with stress and practice time management skills
  • Eat your vitamins - keep a balanced diet with lots of fruits (bananas, grapefruit), veggies (squash, carrots, broccoli), protein (nuts, lean meats), whole grains (oatmeal, wheat bread) & avoid sugary foods & drinks.

If I get the flu, can I stay in my residence hall room with a roommate who is not sick?

At the current time, the CDC and the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment are not suggesting that students with flu be isolated in separate rooms. Instead, they recommend that roommates follow guidance developed for caring for sick persons at home. See http://www.cdc.gov/flu/homecare/.

Flu Vaccine

When will the seasonal flu vaccine be available?

The seasonal flu vaccine is available now at the Health and Counseling Center (HCC). Flu vaccination clinics for students will be held on the Driscoll bridge or between Driscoll and Sturm (weather permitting) every Wednesday between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. this fall.

Is influenza vaccination mandatory?

It is not mandatory, but it is recommended for everyone.

Will the seasonal flu vaccine also protect against 2009 H1N1 flu?

Yes, the 2009 H1N1 virus is one of the three viruses chosen to be targeted by this year's flu vaccine. The other two viruses are influenza A (H3N2) and influenza B.

How many flu vaccinations do I need this year?

Only one vaccination is needed.