Flu Prevention

Influenza is caused by a virus and spread through the air by coughing or sneezing. 

Symptoms may include fever, headache, dry cough, bodyaches and exhaustion usually lasting 3-4 days. To minimize the chances of getting influenza get a flu shot, wash hands often, keep in good health and stay home when you are sick.   

If you do get the flu:

• See your health care provider
• Drink plenty of fluids
• Take acetaminophen (Tylenol) for pain or fever
• Take over-the counter cough suppressant
• Gargle with warm salt water, and suck on lozenges

There are 2 issues of concerns for travelers:

1. Regular influenza, though typically not life-threatening in college students, should be taken seriously. Attempts should be made to avoid unnecessary contact with persons experiencing symptoms of influenza.

2. Travelers need to be well informed as to the status of the Avian Flu – which is frequently fatal in humans. If there is any evidence of transmission of the virus from human to human in your region of travel, immediate departure is highly recommended. 

The best way to keep updated on the Avian Flu outbreak and influenza is to refer to the following CDC (Center for Disease Control) websites regularly before departure and while traveling:

http://www.cdc.gov/travel/other/avian_influenza_se_asia_2005.htm

http://www.cdc.gov/flu/keyfacts.htm

Precautions if traveling to regions in Southeast Asia, per CDC Guidelines:

• Avoid direct contact with poultry, such as poultry farms and bird markets
• Very important to practice careful and frequent hand washing
• Influenza viruses are killed by heat – all poultry must be thoroughly cooked
• If you become ill, a U.S. consular officer can assist you in getting medical treatment

After returning from travel:

• Monitor your health for 10 days.
• If you become ill, seek medical attention and call ahead to inform the medical facility of your symptoms and any travel you have done. This will help to minimize the spread of infection.