Flu Update to Students & Families
How do I know if I have the flu?
The symptoms of influenza include:
- Temperature 100 degrees or greater
- Cough, sore throat, body aches, headache, chills and fatigue
- Generally the symptoms of the flu come on quickly
- Read more: Is It a Cold or the Flu? [pdf]
What do I do if I develop flu-like symptoms?
- Call the Health & Wellness Center for an appointment at (585) 385-8280.
Commuters, Faculty and Staff
Generally, people with the flu can manage themselves at home with little or no medical attention.
- Remain at home until you are fever free for 24 hours without using medications to lower your temperature.
High Risk Individuals
High Risk Individuals include people of any age with certain chronic medical conditions, including:
- Heart, lung, liver, or kidney disease
- Pregnant women
- Adults 65 years and older
- Children younger than five years old
Individuals at high risk for developing complications from the Flu should consult with their health care provider immediately after developing flu-like symptoms, or following recent close contact with someone who has flu-like symptoms.
How can I stay healthy?
- Cough in your sleeve or 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 warm water, especially after you cough, sneeze, or touch shared surfaces. Alcohol-based hand cleaners are also effective.
- Clean shared surfaces (doorknobs, keyboards, phones, etc.) with disinfectant
- Do not share cups, eating utensils, smoking paraphernalia, lip balm, etc.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs spread this way.
- Get a seasonal flu vaccine when available.
- Eat a balanced diet; exercise on a regular basis; get plenty of rest.
Limit close contact with sick people; Try and stay at least 6 feet away
Close contact includes:
- Sharing eating or drinking utensils.
- Kissing or embracing.
- Sharing lip balms, smoking paraphernalia, or other things that touch the mouth or nose.
Close contact typically does NOT include:
- Walking by an infected person
- Sitting across from someone in an office or waiting room.
Upcoming Wellness Events
Prepare a Flu Kit
Contents should include:
- A digital thermometer (everyone must purchase a thermometer!)
- Acetaminophen or Ibuprofen (NOT aspirin)
- Cough drops and/or cough syrup
- Alcohol-based hand rub for hand hygiene
- Face masks in case you need to leave your room or home (for medical care, etc.) or if close contact with an ill individual is unavoidable in a living situation.
- Electrolyte drinks such as Gatorade
- Soups, crackers, and other comfort foods
What else do you need?
Copies of family health insurance/pharmacy insurance cards, and contact information for health care providers.