As winter hits DU’s campus in full force, so does the increase of students falling victim to illness, specifically the flu. Influenza, or “the flu,” is a respiratory, viral illness commonly diagnosed in seasons of winter and spring. This illness is highly contagious and is often mistaken for a cold but displays much more severe symptoms which typically last between one and two weeks. The virus causing the flu illness mainly affects the areas of throat, nose and lungs with mild to severe symptoms, such as a cough, fever or feeling feverish, chills, sore throat, muscle or body aches, runny or stuffy nose and headaches.
Although these display that the flu virus has been caught, most individuals become contagious the day prior to developing noticeable symptoms, so in addition to getting rid of your own illness, take precaution to not spread it to others as well.
The flu virus is spread through the sick individual’s germs being transferred by way of cough, sneeze or spit or occasionally through touching a contaminated surface. To prevent this viral transfer, wash hands often, cover any coughs or sneezes thoroughly and keep distance of healthy individuals when infected with the flu.
There are methods of making symptoms less severe and treating the flu, but the most effective way to combat flu season is prevention. The best way to approach prevention is through a flu vaccine each year. A vaccine has been able to prove effective in reducing flu outbreak and the risk of complications if the influenza virus does infect your system.
Each fall, DU provides opportunities for students to receive a vaccine. These dates are accessible and advertised on the DU social media pages, including Facebook and Instagram. If unable to make a vaccine day provided by the school, local pharmacies, such as Walgreens and Safeway, also have flu vaccine services available.
If prevention does not prove effective and the flu virus is contracted, there are many home remedies to lessen the effects of the symptoms and provide relief. One of the most vital things to remember while ill is to keep your body hydrated through water, fruit juices or tea. Honey can also be added to tea to soothe a sore throat. Also, allow your body to rest, and do not engage in rigorous physical activity, as your body needs to be allowed to fight off the virus within. Along with keeping the body hydrated, it is also wise to do the same for the air through a diffuser or humidifier, as dry air can make stuffy noses and sore throats worse. Besides these methods, try to eat a little to give your body energy to fight off the virus, and suck on throat lozenges or cough drops to ease intense coughs or a sore throat.
If symptoms do not show any improvement over the two weeks, seek medical consultation with a personal doctor or the Health and Counseling Center (HCC) for further medical help in fighting the virus.
