Emory University Student Health Services

Influenza Information from Student Health Services

Symptoms: Influenza is a severe viral illness with an abrupt onset of high fever, chills, headache, muscle aches, cough, runny nose and occasional nausea. The illness tends to run its course in 7 to 10 days, and antibiotics are not effective (unless the person gets a second, superimposed bacterial infection such as bronchitis or pneumonia). There are several important things that you should know:

It is not too late to get a flu shot. The vaccine becomes fully protective at 2 weeks and will offer progressively increasing protection before then. We still have a limited number of flu shots available at EUSHS, and you do not need an appointment if you still want to get one.
Your best defense against all viral illnesses, including influenza, is to take proper care of yourself. Get plenty of rest, eat a balanced diet, don’t smoke, limit alcohol consumption and stay away from sick friends and classmates. Also, be sure to wash your hands frequently to keep from spreading germs to yourself and others.
If you have influenza, stay in bed, drink lots of fluids and take Tylenol or other non-aspirin medications for fever and pain (you should not take aspirin if you might have influenza). Try not to spread the illness to friends, family or classmates by covering your cough and washing your hands frequently.
If you miss the chance to be vaccinated and you get influenza, the next best alternative may be one of the antiviral medications for Influenza, such as oseltamivir (Tamiflu). These antiviral medications can help make the illness less severe, but must be started within 72 hours of onset of illness to be effective. So if you get the classic influenza symptoms noted above, we should see you within 72 hours of onset of symptoms.
Whether you are on Tamiflu or not, we should see you if you think you may have developed a secondary bacterial infection (such as an ear infection or pneumonia)

For more information about influenza, visit our web site information by clicking here. Please contact us if you have questions or concerns about influenza, either via MedBuddy-U (www.emory.edu/shs) or by phone (404-727-7551). Keep in mind that you do NOT need to have the Aetna/Chickering/Emory health insurance to be seen at Student Health. We are your health service, regardless of your insurance carrier. Insurance coverage for lab tests and supplies will vary by insurance provider, so be sure to speak with one of us if you have concerns about medical costs.

Please try to stay healthy!

From the staff at Emory Student Health Services