Article posted at the request of David E. Newman, MD, Director of Student Health Services
The Ithaca College Health Center has confirmed a case of Influenza A in one student,
and has seen several others with symptoms suggesting the same illness. This year’s flu outbreak has been later than usual everywhere, and The Tompkins County Department of Health reported the winter’s first documented Influenza B case only last week (both influenza A and B usually circulate in the population each winter).
What distinguishes influenza from a common cold?
True “flu” usually has an abrupt onset and is characterized by high fever, cough, headache, and muscle aches and pains that are sometimes severe. Colds usually begin more insidiously, cause little or no fever, almost always cause sore throat and nasal congestion, and don’t include much muscle pain. (Neither type of illness usually causes much vomiting or diarrhea in adults; “stomach flu” is a misnomer and has nothing to do with actual influenza).
To help keep this flu season not only late but mild, here are some reminders on avoiding viral respiratory illnesses
Avoid close contact with people who are already sick.
When you are sick, keep your distance from others to protect them from getting sick too.
Stay home when you are sick.
Stay home from classes when you are sick, whenever possible. You will help prevent others from catching your illness.
Cover your mouth and nose.
Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing. It may prevent those around you from getting sick. Cough into your upper sleeve rather than your hands.
Wash your hands.
Washing your hands frequently, after every person-to-person contact if possible, may be one of the most effective ways of preventing viral illnesses. Contrary to popular belief, cold viruses are transmitted through hand to eye, nose or mouth contact more often than by sneezing or coughing.
Get a flu shot.
It’s not too late to benefit from a flu vaccine. Call the Health Center at 274-3177 for details.
Practice other good health habits. Try to get adequate sleep, eat a healthy diet, exercise, manage your stress as best you can (the Counseling Center can help with this) and consider taking a multivitamin.
Call the Ithaca College Health Center at 274-3177 if you have questions or want to schedule an appointment.
