What you should know about the flu
Health officials predict increased flu cases this fall, including of H1N1 (swine) flu, so an upswing in the number of flu cases is also anticipated within the UNT community.
Right now there is no indication that the effects of any flu strain, including H1N1, will be unusually severe, but we will keep you informed if this changes. It’s important that you know what to do if you think you may have the flu and steps you can take to help avoid getting the flu.
What to do if you think you have the flu
Seek medical attention and stay home if you think you may have the flu.
The UNT Health and Wellness Center health care professionals can talk with students and treat those who show symptoms of the flu. Faculty and staff should visit their regular health care provider.
Learn more about specific things you should do if you get the flu.
Flu symptoms
- Fever (usually high)
- Headache
- Extreme tiredness
- Dry cough
- Sore throat
- Runny or stuffy nose
- Muscle aches
- Stomach symptoms, such as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea, also can occur but are more common in children than adults
Steps to keep from spreading flu
The most effective thing you can do to keep from getting the flu is to get vaccinated.
While there are many different flu viruses, the seasonal flu vaccine protects against the three seasonal viruses that research suggests will be most common. A seasonal vaccine will not protect you against H1N1 but a new vaccine against H1N1 is in development and will be available this fall as an H1N1 prevention.
Things you should do every day:
- Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you sneeze or cough then throw the tissue in the trash right away. If tissue isn’t handy, cover your mouth and nose with the crook of your arm.
- Wash your hands often with soap and water or alcohol-based hand cleaners, especially after you cough or sneeze.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth to help keep from spreading germs.
- Avoid close contact with sick people whenever possible.
If you come down with a flu-like illness, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that you stay home for at least 24 hours after your fever is gone, except to get medical care or for other necessities. (Your fever should be gone without the use of a fever-reducing medicine.) Stay away from other people as much as possible to keep from making others sick.
