What is Flu (Influenza)?
The flu (influenza) is caused by a respiratory virus that usually occurs in the Northern Hemisphere between October and April. There are two types, A or B and the severity varies from year to year. Unlike the common cold, the flu begins suddenly with high fever, body aches and fatigue.
What is the Common Cold?
The common cold is a viral syndrome that causes over 90% of the nasal congestion, low grade fever, chills, sore throat and general aches and pains that people experience. Because it is caused by a virus, it is not affected by the use of antibiotics. A cold usually resolves in 7-10 days.
Prevention and Precautions
Good hand hygiene is one of the best ways to help prevent the spread of respiratory illness! Wash hands often, with soap and water, for at least 20 seconds. You can also use hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol-content.
Guard against getting colds and flu by eating nutritious food, getting enough sleep, decreasing stress, and limit or do not use tobacco products or smoke. Limit the spread of infection by avoiding crowded places and improving indoor air quality. Cover your mouth when you cough or sneeze. Get more prevention tips from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC).
One of the best ways to help protect yourself and the Mason community is to stay up-to-date on vaccines. Get your flu vaccine each year. The flu vaccine helps your body naturally make antibodies to the Flu. Since new strains of the influenza virus develop each year, the vaccine must be updated and given yearly. Flu Shots are offered starting around the end of September through the season til March or April.
Signs and Symptoms
People who have the flu or a cold often experience some or all of these signs and symptoms. Some people who have the flu may also have vomiting and diarrhea, though this is more common in children than adults.
Stay home and away from others if you feel sick, except to seek medical care. You can wear a face mask if you must be around others. The CDC recommends that if you have symptoms you can go back to your normal activities when, for at least 24 hours, your symptoms are getting better AND you have not had a fever (without using a fever-reducing medication). Take preventive actions for the next 5 days to help reduce the spread of illness to others.
Cold vs. Flu Symptoms
| Symptoms | FLU (Influenza) | COLD |
|---|---|---|
| Onset | Sudden | Gradual |
| Fever | > 101°F (37.8°C), lasting 3-4 days | None or < 101°F (37.8°C) |
| Cough | Dry, sometimes severe, can last up to 2-3 weeks | Hacking |
| Headache | Yes, common | Not common |
| Body aches | Yes, common, can be severe | Not common or mild |
| Tiredness and weakness | Very tired, can last 2-3 weeks | Mild, brief – lasting less than 1 week |
| Stuffy nose (congestion) | Sometimes | Common |
| Sore throat | Sometimes | Common |
When Should You Seek Medical Attention
Some symptoms of COVID-19 and flu can be similar. If you feel sick or think you’ve been exposed to COVID-19, visit our Isolation Guidance webpage for information.
Most healthy adults can manage a mild to moderate flu-like illness at home with general self-care practices. Generally, the flu symptoms will peak (be the worst) around 2 to 4 days after symptoms begin and then should start to get better. Each day should be a better day after the illness peaks. If your symptoms get worse or last a long time, get medical attention by contacting Student Health Services or another healthcare professional.
Contact your doctor immediately if you have a known medical condition such as pregnancy, diabetes, asthma, heart disease, kidney disease or any other disease that may affect your immune system.
Seek medical attention immediately if you experience any worsening symptoms, such as difficulty breathing, chest pain, dizziness, increased or persistent headache, neck stiffness or rash.
What medicine will help my symptoms?
Many cold and flu medicines are available “over the counter.” Over-the-counter medicine is usually located in a retail store and you can buy it without a prescription from a healthcare provider. But, when you feel sick and are in front of store shelves filled with medicines….how can you choose the one that will best help you?
Check the ACTIVE INGREDIENTS label. This will be the actual or generic name for the drug. This is not the “brand name” marketed by a specific company.
IMPORTANT! Read labels carefully and follow the instructions. Many medicines can contain similar drugs. Avoid doubling-up on medicines that have the same ingredient. Some medicines can also interact with prescription medications you may be taking, or cause side effects like drowsiness or insomnia. If you have questions, ask your healthcare provider.
| SYMPTOM RELIEF OF | CHOOSE MEDICATION WITH | ACTUAL/GENERIC INGREDIENT |
|---|---|---|
| Fever, pain, sore throat, body aches | Pain reliever (analgesic) | Acetaminophen or Ibuprofen |
| Coughing | Cough suppressant | Dextromethorphan (DM) |
| Runny nose, watery eyes, sneezing | Antihistamine | Diphenhydramine |
| Thins out mucus | Expectorant | Guaifenesin |
| Congested nose and chest, sinus or facial pressure | Decongestant (D) | Phenylephrine or Pseudoephedrine |
Tips for Feeling Better
Remember, stay home and away from others if you feel sick to help prevent the spread of illness. Self-care practices may help you start feeling better.
Cover Your Cough
Cover your nose and mouth when you sneeze or cough and remember to wash your hands frequently.
Get plenty of rest
This is not the time to be up all night. Your body may require more sleep than usual when you are sick.
For Stuffy Nose
For congestion, try a salt water (Saline) nasal spray. Spray each nostril several times a day, generally every two hours if needed.
For cough and congestion
Keep your airway moist by taking a steamy shower or using a hot steam vaporizer. Clean the vaporizer daily with a mild vinegar solution so germs are not added to the air.
Drink lots of liquids
Drink 8-12 glasses of fluid a day. Water, juice, soup, Jell-O, and herbal tea are great choices. Steam from hot drinks help open airways and soothe an irritated throat. Avoid carbonated drinks, caffeine and alcohol.
For throat pain
Try gargling with salt water. Mix ½ teaspoon of salt in 8 ounces of warm water and gargle several times a day. You may also consider throat lozenges or hard candies to keep the throat moist.
For Fever >100°F (37.8°C)
For fever and muscle aches, take acetaminophen or ibuprofen. Follow dose and warning directions. If you are under age 21, do not use aspirin because there is an association between influenza and Reyes Syndrome.