Flu (Influenza)

Cornell may seem isolated from the rest of the world, but in the case of the flu, it’s not. Most years, an outbreak of the flu develops on campus just before or after winter break and lasts for a few weeks.

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What is the flu?

Flu (short for influenza) is a viral infection of the respiratory tract (nose, throat, bronchial tubes, and lungs). People who have the flu usually notice severe symptoms, such as fever, chills, headache, and general muscle aches, which develop suddenly. These symptoms may be severe for two or three days, during which most people find it difficult to do anything but lie down.

Sore throat, runny nose, dry hacking cough, and chest discomfort may also accompany the flu. Recovery usually takes three to seven days, but tiredness and a persistent cough can last several days longer.

Flu season in the United States usually occurs between November and April.

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What isn't the flu?

It’s easy to confuse a common cold with influenza, but the common cold usually doesn't cause a high fever—the flu does. Cold symptoms are milder and don't last as long as flu symptoms. Also, don't confuse influenza with intestinal flu, which is caused by a different virus that creates gastrointestinal problems.

Some people get a flu shot and still get sick. This does not mean that the vaccine didn't work. Other viruses, including several strains of the flu, circulate during flu season. With a flu shot, you're likely to get far less sick than you would without any protection.

Preventing the flu

Vaccination in the fall or early winter is the best way to reduce your risk of getting the flu. From October through January each year, members of the Cornell community can get flu vaccine by appointment at Gannett and at clinics in locations all around campus.

But vaccination isn't the only way to limit your chances of getting the flu. Learning techniques to avoid the flu will help you reduce your risk of getting other illnesses this winter and throughout the year.

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What to do if you get the flu

Go to bed and stay there, if you possibly can. Chicken soup may help, won't hurt. Watch soap operas, read a book, play video games, or browse the Web. But do yourself and everyone else a favor by staying out of circulation for a few days, and take precautions to avoid spreading flu germs, because influenza is highly contagious.

Treatment with antibiotics is not effective since the flu is caused by a virus. So the best remedies, below, are those that relieve symptoms and help your body’s immune system fight off the flu infection.

• Take acetaminophen
  Two tablets of Tylenol, Datril, etc. every four hours will reduce fever, and relieve head and muscle aches. DO NOT TAKE ASPIRIN because of the risk of Reyes’ Syndrome in young people. Other over-the-counter remedies (pseudoephedrine, cough syrups) may help, but use them cautiously and avoid those containing aspirin. When in doubt, call Gannett to talk with a nurse before taking any commercially available medication for the flu. 
  
• Get some rest
  Although it may be difficult to arrange in your hectic life, your body needs rest for at least a day or two, maybe more, to fight off the infection and avoid further complications. If you don't rest when you're sick with the flu, it will take longer to recover fully. 
  
• Drink lots of fluids
  The fever that accompanies the flu causes your body to use more fluid than usual. As a result, you can become dehydrated, which increases fever. To avoid dehydration, drink at least 6 to 8 glasses of water, juice, or non-caffeinated carbonated beverages daily while you're sick with the flu.
  
• Antiviral therapy
  Although people with uncomplicated flu will get better eventually without any medical treatment, antiviral therapy may shorten the duration of symptoms by a day or two. If you've been sick for less than 48 hours with high fever (greater than 101.5 degrees), headaches, muscle aches, and cough, you may benefit from antiviral medications. Call Gannett to discuss antiviral therapy, its cost, and occasional side effects.

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When to get medical assistance

Know that if you do get sick, with the flu or any other illness, we're here to help. We have same day appointments for urgent care every weekday and walk-in hours on Saturday. Our on-site pharmacy has the prescription and over-the-counter medications and supplies you might need. 

Sometimes people with the flu develop secondary bacterial infections that can be serious (and can be treated with antibiotics). Be sure to call Gannett or your health care provider if any of the following symptoms appear during the course of a flu-like illness:

• Fever of over 101.5 degrees lasting for more than three days
• Severe sore throat, along with swollen glands in your neck
• Change in level of consciousness
• Cough that brings up colored sputum
• Shortness of breath
• Persistent vomiting
• Unidentified rash

Remember: 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, you can consult by phone with our on call health care provider who can assess your needs and discuss next steps. Please know that consulting with a health care provider early in an illness will help relieve your symptoms, manage the demands of your life, and perhaps even help you get better quicker.