Avoid smoking when you have the flu, as it will cause further irritation to your upper respiratory tract. There are viral medicines available by prescription which help relieve flu symptoms. Ask your clinician for more information on these. If you experience difficulty in breathing, chest pain, sinus pain, earache, persistent fever over 102 F, or if you develop a mucus-producing cough, you should seek professional medical attention. Additionally, if your illness lasts for more than 4 to 5 days despite good self-care, obtain medical care.
Influenza is highly contagious.
Cover your mouth and nose when sneezing or coughing, and avoid close physical contact to prevent infecting others. There is a highly effective well-tolerated influenza vaccine available. People at high risk for developing complications from the flu are recommended to have the vaccination. If your symptoms persist or worsen, medical treatment is available to all full time Messiah students. Call the Health Center at 691-6035 for more information.