COMMON COLD and FLU (Influenza)

Common colds and influenza (flu) are caused by viruses. Symptoms may range from minor bother to a serious problem. These viruses are constantly changing and developing immunity is not probable.  There are  vaccines that may provide protection against some known influenza strains.  However, there is no vaccine available to protect against colds.  

* sometimes a cough may persist 2-3 weeks after all other  cold or influenza symptoms disappear*

Remember:  common colds and influenza are caused by viruses.  Antibiotics are not helpful in the treatment of these illnesses.  

Treatment: 

• fluids:  drink a glass of water, juice, gatorade every hour. fluids help "flush out the virus and help prevent dehydration. 

• warm, salt water gargles are very effective in soothing a sore throat. gargle 1/4 teaspoon in 8 oz warm water every 2 hours.  lozenges or hard candies may also help soothe your throat. 

• steam for vaporizer, shower, or hot water helps loosen secretions. a cool-mist humidifier helps keep nasal passages moist. Be sure to clean the humidifier daily to prevent bacteria and fungus from building up in stagnant water when humidifier not in use.

• Over the counter cough medicines, antihistamines, and/or decongestants may be helpful in relieving symptoms. However, no one with a history of high blood pressure should use decongestants.  

• acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Advil or Motrin) for reduction in fever and/ or body aches. 

• Rest:  Rest: and then more Rest

• avoid alcohol and tobacco

• consider vitamin C in moderate doses (500 - 1000mg daily)

• And never underestimate the power of chicken soup! 

When to Seek Medical Care:

• severe, or unusual headache or neck pain

• coughing up rusty, gray, or bloody phlegm

• shortness of breath

• pain in chest, particularly if associated with spitting up phlegm

• earache associated with decreased hearing, leaking of any fluid, or sinus pain

• fever over 101.0 that does not respond to acetaminophen or ibuprofen or persist for greater than 3 days.

• Any fever greater than 103.0 needs immediate attention. 

How to avoid illness:

Hand washing, Hand Washing, And then Go Wash those hands again!!

• Cough or sneeze into your sleeve

• Avoid rubbing your eyes, nose, mouth

• Do Not share drinks or utensils or toothbrushes of others- Yuck- Gross- you would never do this- RIGHT!!

• Avoid persons known to be ill- no matter how cute they are!

• If you can't help yourself because they are too cute or pathetically ill- at least do not share any saliva i.e.,  NO KISSING. 

• use disposable Kleenex- take a fresh tissue for each cough or sneeze.  if possible keep cover over waste receptacle once dispose of tissue. 

• GET PLENTY OF REST

• Health Services provides free flu vaccines to students with any associated high risk medical conditions.  Other students may be charged a small fee, but the vaccine is available on campus.