Health Topics

What is it?

Influenza, commonly known as the flu, is a contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses. These viruses can enter the body through the nose, mouth, or eyes. You can become infected by touching your face after contact with contaminated surfaces—such as doorknobs, utensils, or gym equipment—or through close contact with an infected person who is coughing, sneezing, or talking.

Signs & Symptoms

Unfortunately, colds and influenza share many similar symptoms, which can make them difficult to distinguish. However, influenza-like illnesses typically include a fever, often accompanied by a cough and/or sore throat. Influenza is also commonly associated with chills, headaches, severe fatigue, and body aches that can make it hard to get out of bed. A loss of appetite is also a frequent symptom of the flu.

• Fever
• Severe aches and pains in the joints and muscles and around the eyes
• Generalized weakness
• Warm, flushed skin and red, watery eyes
• Headache
• Dry cough
• Sore throat and watery discharge from your nose

If you experience any of the following severe symptoms in addition to cold symptoms, call the Student Health Center, the clinician on call, or 911 right away:

• Severe pain or pressure in the chest
• Severe headache
• Difficulty breathing and shortness of breath
• Dizziness
• Confusion
• Persistent vomiting
• Painful swallowing
• Persistent fever

How to prevent the flu?

• Wash your hands for 30 seconds with soap and warm water.
• Cover your mouth and nose when you cough or sneeze by using a tissue or your elbow. Dispose of tissues immediately after use.
• Don’t touch your eyes, nose or mouth – areas where the virus can enter your body.
• Avoid close contact with people who are sick.

Treatment 

• Rest
• Plenty of fluids
• Antihistamines
• Decongestants
• Anti-inflammatory medicines ( i.e. Motrin or Ibuprofen) 

It’s important to understand the difference between the common cold and the flu. Seeking medical treatment for the flu within the first 48 hours of symptom onset can help shorten the duration and lessen the severity of the illness.

What is it?
Unfortunately, colds have very similar symptoms to influenza illnesses. However, symptoms of a cold usually include greater congestion or “stuffy” or runny nose, sneezing and a scratchy throat. It is rare to have a high fever with a cold.

Signs & Symptoms 
Below are the main signs and symptoms that indicate you are infected with a virus that causes a cold.  

• Runny or stuffy nose 

• Itchy or sore throat 

• Cough 

• Congestion 

• Sneezing 

• Watery eyes 

• Mild fatigue 

• Rest 

• Plenty of fluids 

• Antihistamines 

• Decongestants 
• Anti-inflammatory medicines 

• Wash your hands for 30 seconds with soap and warm water. 

• Cover your mouth and nose when you cough or sneeze by using a tissue or your elbow.  

• Dispose of tissues immediately after use. 

• Do not touch your eyes, nose, or mouth – areas where the virus can enter your body. 

• Avoid close contact with people who are sick. 

What is it?  
Sore throats are quite common and can be very painful. Most sore throats are caused by minor illnesses and go away without medical treatment. However, there are many different causes of a sore throat, some of which do require medical care.  A sore throat is pain, scratchiness, or irritation of the throat that often worsens when you swallow. 

Signs & Symptoms
Several conditions can cause a sore throat, such as a:

• viral infection
• bacterial infection
• injury from irritants 

Strep throat (streptococcal infection), is caused by a bacterium. This infection requires additional treatment with antibiotics to prevent complications and spreading of bacteria. 

• Gargle with warm salt water to help relieve swelling and discomfort (once each hour with 1 tsp of salt dissolved in 8 fl oz of warm water) 

• Drink plenty of fluids, which help thin secretions and soothe an irritated throat (especially hot fluids, such as tea or soup) 

• Use a vaporizer or humidifier in your bedroom 

• Do not smoke or use tobacco products and avoid secondhand smoke 

• Use nonprescription throat lozenges 

Bacterial infections can and should be treated with antibiotics prescribed by your healthcare provider. If you believe a bacterial infection is the cause of your sore throat, or if you are unsure of the cause, make an appointment call or visit the Student Health Center, or the clinician on call, so they can determine the best course of treatment.

What is it?

An allergy is an immune system response to something that the body mistakenly believes is harmful. Someone who has never had allergies can develop allergies at any time. Allergies can be seasonal and can also occur when a person moves to a new environment.

Signs & Symptoms 

Allergy symptoms come in many forms, including:

• Sneezing

• Sniffling

• Coughing

• Hives

• Watery eyes

• Itchy skin

• Shortness of breath

The causes of allergies are varied. They can be caused by both hereditary and environmental factors.

Common Triggers:

• Allergens

• Pollen

• Dust mites

• Mold

• Animal dander

• Insect stings

• Latex

• Certain foods (i.e. peanuts, shellfish)

• Medication

What to Do?

For mild symptoms:  

• Take an antihistamine (check with your provider first) 

• Wash hands and face after being outdoors 

• Keep windows closed during high pollen days 

• Swelling of lips/tongue 

• Trouble breathing or swallowing 

•  Use your Epi-pen if you have  
• If you are prescribed an Epi-pen, call 911 

If you experience any of the following severe symptoms, call 911 right away, the Student Health Center, or clinician on call.

NOTE: If you experience any of the following severe symptoms, call 911 right away. 

Abdominal pain 

Possible Causes: 

• Indigestion or gas  

• Constipation 

• Food intolerance 

• Menstrual cramps 

• Stress or anxiety

• Serious causes: kidney stones, infection 

Self-care for mild cases: 

• Drink clear fluids 

• Rest in a comfortable position 

• Avoid greasy or spicy foods 
• Try peppermint tea or ginger for nausea 

Seek immediate medical help if:  

• Pain is severe or sudden 
• Associated with vomiting, fever, blood in stool, or inability to keep fluids down 
• Pain in lower right abdomen (possible appendicitis)

Chest pain

Possible Causes: 

• Muscle strain from exercise 

• Anxiety or stress 

• Acid reflux (heartburn) 

• Asthma or respiratory infection 

• Rare but serious: heart or lung problems  

Seek immediate help if: 

• Pain is sudden, severe, or feels like pressure/tightness  
• Occurs during exercise  
• Comes with shortness of breath, dizziness, sweating, nausea  
• Lasts more than 5 minutes or keeps coming back

NOTE: If you experience any of the following severe symptoms, call 911 right away.