Influenza is a highly contagious virus that attacks the respiratory system and causes symptoms of fever (over 101ºF), muscle aches, sore throat, cough, and fatigue, usually for between four days to as long as two weeks. Not to be confused with the intestinal flu, Influenza generally does not involve vomiting and diarrhea although severe coughing can cause vomiting and an excessive intake of fruit juice can cause diarrhea. Viruses are contracted by breathing contaminated air or hand to mucous membrane contact (hand to mouth). Antibiotics are only effective against bacterial infections and are not a treatment for viruses.


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• Avoid touching your face during this season, especially around your nose and mouth.
• Wash your hands frequently and turn off the faucet handles with a paper towel if possible. (Touching handles makes your hands dirty again!)
• Try to get 6 to 8 hours of sleep consistently to keep your immune system charged! More rest may be needed during times of stress, i.e. exams.
• Drink lots of fluids, at least 2 quarts, and include fruit juices when possible. Soda pop counts as fluid but nothing beats water! Since our bodies are composed primarily of water, it only makes sense to be sure we have an adequate fluid intake.
• Avoid being in close contact with persons who are infected with the Flu!
• Be sure to use a tissue when coughing to avoid the spread of potentially infectious germs to others.

• Will I get the Flu if I have had a flu shot?
  According to our vaccine manufacturer, influenza vaccine has been shown to prevent illness in approximately 70% of healthy persons under the age of 65. The other 30% do not develop antibodies against influenza. The vaccine only contains non-infectious viruses and can not cause the flu. The vaccine given in UMS is full strength and is effective against Influenza type A and B. It takes up to 2 weeks after vaccination to build up an immunity to the Flu. The Flu season generally runs from December through April.
  
  
• What should I do if I get the Flu?
  
  • Get plenty of rest and fluids.
  • Don't forget to eat, even if you don feel like it, except if you are nauseated or vomiting.
  • Treat the symptoms: Tylenol or a similar analgesic for muscle aching and fever, cough medicine as needed, salt water gargles for a sore throat.
  • In severe cases of Influenza, a prescriptive medication is available that can lessen the severity of viral "shedding" which causes those nasty symptoms!
  • UMS is equipped with free over-the-counter medications, so don't hesitate to get help when you need it!