Flu Prevention and Self-Care at UNH
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This document provides information on preventing and treating the flu and common colds. It recommends not sharing personal items, washing hands frequently, covering coughs and sneezes, and maintaining distance from sick people. Symptoms of colds are generally milder than the flu. Self-care tips include gargling salt water, resting, hydrating, eating nutritious foods, using steam or cough drops. Students feeling flu-like symptoms should stay home and contact health services if symptoms persist or worsen. The seasonal flu vaccine is available at the campus health center.
Flu Prevention and Self-Care at UNH
- 1. Preventing Flu and Colds Health Services University of New Hampshire
- 2. Be a Germ Fighter DON’T SHARE WASH YOUR HANDS – OFTEN Don’t share towels, eating utensils, You can pick up germs/viruses by toothbrushes, drinking glasses or shaking hands, touching other items that may spread germs. doorknobs, phones, computers, ATM S, etc. Even if someone is not sick at the time of sharing, he/she may still be Wash your hands with soap and contagious for flu or cold. water or with an alcohol-based (at least 60%) hand gel.
- 4. Be a Germ Fighter COVER YOUR MOUTH AND NOSE DISPOSE Sneeze/cough into your elbow or Throw your dirty tissues in the shoulder or cover your mouth and trash. nose with a tissue. Keep Your Distance! Try to avoid close contact with people who are sick!
- 5. Feeling Sick? Is it a cold or flu? SYMPTOMS COLD FLU Fever Rare Usual – high (100.4 to 102 degrees F) is typical, lasts 3-4 days Headache Rare Common Aches, Pains Slight Usual – often severe and sudden Nausea, Vomiting, Diarrhea Never Sometimes Fatigue, Weakness Sometimes Usual – can last up to 2-3 weeks Extreme Exhaustion Never Usual – at the beginning of illness Stuffy Nose Common Sometimes Sneezing Usual Sometimes Sore Throat Common Sometimes Chest Discomfort/Cough Mild to moderate/hacking cough Common/can become severe
- 6. FLU-LIKE SYMPTOMS Fever (greater than 100 F) Sore throat and/or cough Runny or stuffy nose Chills Fatigue Headaches Body aches You may possibly also experience diarrhea and vomiting.
- 7. The flu is caused by a virus that cannot be treated with antibiotics and in most cases, antiviral medication is usually not advised. Recommended treatment for the flu is good self-care and symptom relief.
- 8. Self-Care Tips GARGLE WITH SALT STAY HOME, IF YOU ARE SICK Salt helps relieve sore throat pain. You should not go to classes, work or Add 1 tsp. salt to 8 oz. warm water. participate in social activities. Let your RA and Professors know that you are ill.
- 9. Self-Care Tips SLEEP, REST and HYDRATE EAT WELL Get plenty of sleep and rest. Students who are ill or unable to leave their residence hall should When you’re awake drink one 8 oz. contact their RA to coordinate a glass of clear fluids each hour. We takeout meal with Dining Services. suggest water, broth or sports drinks.
- 10. Self-Care Tips STEAM SOUP Increase humidity in your living space Vegetable or chicken soup helps with a vaporizer/humidifier. boost your immune system. Steam from a hot shower will also help you breathe easier.
- 11. Self-Care Tips NON-PRESCRIPTION MEDICATIONS COUGH DROPS/THROAT LOZENGES You may lower your fever and help Take as needed for pain relief. relieve head/body aches with Acetaminophen (i.e. Tylenol), a non- Visit the Health Services Pharmacy aspirin pain reliever. for discounted non-prescription medications! Ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin IB, Nuprin) may help with pain relief, fever, body/muscle aches and
- 12. When to call Health Services In most cases, it is not necessary to come to Health Services. Those students who SHOULD seek care are students with CHRONIC MEDICAL conditions and students who are experiencing the following SYMPTOMS: Temperature of 101 degrees F or greater lasts longer than 4 days Difficulty breathing/shortness of breath Pain or pressure in chest or abdomen Recurring dizziness Confusion Sever or persistent vomiting Severe headache, rash or stiff neck Any symptoms lasting longer than 5-7 days Flu-like symptoms improve but then return with fever or worse cough Anytime you are concerned about your symptoms If your symptoms get worse call Health Services at (603) 862-2856
- 13. Flu Vaccine Available! (while supplies last) Call (603) 862-2856 for an appointment The vaccine is available at NO charge for students who have paid their mandatory fees. In general, mandatory fees are paid by degree students enrolled for 5 or more credit hours. $25 for students who have not paid their mandatory fees. unh.edu/health-services/flu