It usually takes one to four days for you to feel the symptoms after exposure to the flu. Healthy adults may be able to infect others beginning one day before symptoms develop and up to five days after exhibiting symptoms, which include:
- fever
- stuffy or runny nose
- headache
- muscle aches and/or stiffness
- extreme fatigue sweating/chills
- dry cough
- nausea
- vomiting and diarrhea (more common among children than adults)
- sore throat
Seasonal Flu Prevention
Seasonal flu can cause mild to serious illness and even death among the very young, elderly, and other individuals with impaired immunity, low resistance or chronic illnesses. Every year in the U.S., more than 200,000 people are hospitalized with flu complications and about 36,000 people die from the flu.
According to the Centers for Disease Control, the most effective way to keep from getting the flu is to be vaccinated against the most likely strain of seasonal flu before flu season starts. Unless your healthcare provider advises otherwise, you should get a flu shot at least two weeks before the start of the flu season to develop adequate immunity. (For recommendations on who should or should not get vaccinated, go to http://www.cdc.gov/flu/keyfacts.htm)
For the schedule of flu vaccinations at Western, visit the Health Services web site.
In addition, you can prepare for an outbreak of seasonal flu in several ways. First, practice good health habits, including eating a balanced diet, exercising daily and getting sufficient rest. In general, you can help to stop the spread of infection with personal hygiene:
- Washing your hands frequently with soap and water
- Covering your coughs and sneezes with tissues
- Staying away from others as much as possible if you are sick
- Use over-the-counter remedies for pain relief, as needed
Seasonal Flu Care
If you are experiencing symptoms of seasonal flu, see your healthcare provider. There may be medicines you can take to lessen the symptoms and help you recover. In addition, you should:
- Drink plenty of non-alcoholic fluids
- Get plenty of rest
- Cover your coughs or sneezes with disposable tissues
- Stay away from others to avoid spreading the disease
