Influenza News

California Flu News- Previous season's news below. Info will be updated for Fall 2019 when available.

As is being reported in the news this week, flu activity is increasing in California to higher than average levels, currently predominantly H3N2 influenza A which can cause more intense symptoms.

Taking steps to avoid catching or spreading the flu can help reduce time lost from work and school in addition to reducing the risk for those especially vulnerable to complications from the flu. Good self-care if you are sick with influenza may shorten your recovery time and lessen the chance of complications.

Strategies to prevent or reduce the spread of influenza

To reduce your chance of getting the flu, get vaccinated, practice good hand hygiene, get adequate rest, maintain a healthy diet, and exercise regularly. If you're sick or fighting off the flu, practice good hand hygiene and cover your cough to reduce spreading the flu.

The Center for Disease Control recommends that people with the flu avoid returning to work or school until their fever has resolved for 24 hours (off medication).

If you are sick with flu symptoms or a fever, contact your instructors or supervisors to make arrangements to stay home until you no longer contagious.

Flu Symptoms

Signs of flu can include high fever and chills, rapid onset of cough/sore throat, tiredness, headaches, and body aches, with the illness often lasting over a week.

Flu Treatment

If you are generally healthy, treatment for the flu consists of rest, good nutrition and hydration, and use of acetaminophen or ibuprofen when needed for symptoms*. For more on taking care of yourself if you get the flu click here.

If you have underlying medical conditions such as asthma, diabetes, lung/heart problems, or another chronic condition, make sure that you get the flu vaccine and seek medical care early if you get the flu, as antiviral medication may be prescribed.

*You need to seek medical care for the flu if you develop problems such as impaired breathing, fever not improving with medication, problems walking, eating, or drinking, confusion, or other severe symptoms.

A limited amount of flu vaccine is still available at the Student Health Center as of 1/9/18. This year's flu vaccine is thought to be a less than average match for the H3N2 virus currently circulating but still may offer partial protection in preventing H3N2 infection or may help to lessen the severity of the infection.

For more information on the flu visit the CDC website by clicking here.

The Flu & You

INFLUENZA SELF CARE INSTRUCTIONS

NORMAL FLU SYMPTOMS: Typical flu symptoms include: fever, cough, sore throat, runny or congested nose, body aches, headache, chills, and fatigue. Occasionally people with the flu will also have diarrhea and vomiting.

INFECTIOUS: The flu is extremely infectious!! The virus is spread through the air when a contagious person coughs or sneezes and from surfaces that are frequently touched. You will remain infectious until you have remained fever free (without medication) for 24 hours.

THE CDC RECOMANDS TO STAY HOME UNTIL YOU ARE FEVER FREE FOR 24 HOURS OFF MEDICATIONS

(Please contact your professors regarding your absence and to make arrangements)

Wash your hands frequently
Have someone bring meals to you, rather than going to public eating spaces
Stay home unless you are going to a medical appointment
Stay more than 6 feet away from others if possible
Wear a mask in public spaces and at home to protect roommates or family members
Cover your cough or sneeze into your elbow

SELF CARE AND SYMPTOM MANAGEMENT: Stay hydrated, drink plenty of fluids, and rest as much as possible. Take the medications provided at your visit as directed. If you have questions, call the Student Health Center. For fever, take ibuprofen or Tylenol as directed on the package.

SIGNS OF SERIOUS ILLNESS THAT REQUIRE MEDICAL ATTENTION:

Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
Pain in chest or abdomen
Dizziness, light headedness or confusion
Severe or persistent vomiting
Flu-like symptoms improve but then return with fever and worse cough

WHAT TO EXPECT: Typical flu symptoms start suddenly and can last for 3-7 days. The cough and malaise can last for 2 weeks or longer.

Cal Maritime Student Health Center P: 707-654-1170 F: 707-654-1171