Published on Brock University (http://www.brocku.ca)
Got the flu?
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Signs and Symptoms
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Cold
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Flu
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Fever, chills
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Low fever, if any
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Usual; can be a high fever
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Headache
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Rare
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Usual
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General aches and pains
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Mild, if any
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Usual; often severe. Affect the body all over
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Fatigue, weakness
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Mild, if any
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Usual; often severe. Makes you want stay in bed
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Runny, stuffy nose
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Common
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Sometimes
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Sneezing
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Common
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Sometimes
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Sore throat
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Common
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Sometimes
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Cough
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Mild to moderate; hacking cough
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Common; can become severe
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Onset
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Gradual onset, usually starts with a sore scratchy throat and runny nose
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Sudden onset, usually starts with a fever, fatigue and general aches and pains
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Severity
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Minor infection of nose and throat
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More severe. Quite ill for 3-5 days but may not fully recover for days or weeks. May lead to pneumonia, bacterial infections or hospitalizations.
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When to see a Doctor
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If symptoms persist beyond two weeks or if you have an increase in coughing, difficulty breathing, high fever, ear pain, facial pain or chest pain.
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If you develop shortness of breath, painful breathing, earaches, pain around your eyes or cheekbones or a severe sore throat. If you seem to get better, then worse again.
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If you are feeling symptomatic, follow the relevant self assessment and get the help you need:
Student Off-Campus Flu Assessment [.pdf]
Student On-Campus Flu Assessment [.pdf]
General/Self Flu Assessment [.pdf]
The Got Flu? channel remains open for students and employees to register any influenza-like illness in 2010. Login at my.brocku.ca.
What can be done if I or a family member catch the flu?
Since antibiotics are not effective for infections caused by a virus, there is no antibiotic treatment for the flu. There are some anti-viral medications, eg Tamiflu. They are best started within 48 hours of the onset of flu symptoms. Antiviral medication does not eliminate symptoms but can shorten the course of the illness.
- Keep well hydrated; clear fluids, including chicken soup and fruit juices, are good. Treat fever with ibuprofen or acetaminophen, not aspirin. Use an anti-nausea medication such as Gravol and an anti-diarrheal such as Imodium, if needed
- Provide self care and seek medical attention if you have difficulty breathing or feel confused
- Caring for flu in the home: Homecare Guidance