Student Financial ServicesStudent Financial Services

Influenza (Flu)

Flu Symptoms & Care

Flu season is usually late fall to early spring. The flu is a viral infection of the bronchial tubes and lungs which can make you very ill. Students are encouraged to recognize the early symptoms of Influenza and know what steps to take if they experience any of these symptoms.

Influenza (Flu) Symptoms may include some or all of the following:

  • Headache
  • Fever and/or Chills
  • Cough
  • Body Aches
  • Sore Throat
  • Runny or Stuffy Nose
  • Extreme Tiredness (Fatigue)
  • Nausea and/or Vomiting

Some combination of these symptoms will last from 1 to 10 days.

Steps to Take If You Have Symptoms:

  • If you have a fever of 100°F or more drink plenty of clear fluids and take acetaminophen 650 mg. every 4-6 hours, acetaminophen 1000 mg every 6 hours, or ibuprofen 400 mg every 4-6 hours as needed. Do not use Aspirin for cold or flu symptoms.
  • Get plenty of rest.
  • If you have a cough drink 8 to 10 glasses of fluid daily, inhale steam, and use over the counter cough medicines which contain dextromethorphan and/or guaifenesin. Warm water, honey and lemon can also be soothing.
  • If you experience a sore throat, gargle with warm salt water (1/2 tsp salt in cup of warm water), and use acetaminophen or ibuprofen and lozenges for discomfort.
  • For congestion, drink clear fluids, take "over the counter" decongestants and use nasal saline spray.
  • For headaches/body aches get plenty of rest, stay hydrated and take acetaminophen or ibuprofen for pain.
  • If you are not eating solid foods, drink fluids like 7-up, apple juice or Gatorade.

See your health care provider if you experience any of the following symptoms:

  • Fever of 101°F or more for more than 2 days
  • Shaking chills
  • Cough with chest symptoms of rattling, wheezing, shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
  • Thick discharge from the nose or lungs
  • Sore throat with a lot of difficulty swallowing
  • Severe pain in ears, face or you have a sore neck with enlarged glands

Clinics and Hours of Operation

  • To make an appointment for evaluation, call CHWS at 253.879.1555
    Clinic Hours:
    Monday, Thursday and Friday: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
    Tuesday: 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
    Wednesday: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

  • After hours consulting nurse at MultiCare Consulting Nurse Service: 253.403.7778

Prevention of Influenza and Upper Respiratory Infections

  • Wash your hands and/or use a Hand Sanitizer as often as you can, especially after coughing, sneezing, blowing your nose, and before and after eating.
  • Protect others around you by covering your cough and sneezes
  • Stay home and do not attend classes if you are sick
  • Drink at least 8 to 10 glasses of fluids each day
  • Get your rest - try to get at least 7 to 8 hours of sleep per night
  • Don't drink alcohol, or smoke

Pandemic Flu Preparedness

Pandemic influenza is a global outbreak of disease from a new influenza virus that is unlike past influenza viruses. A new influenza virus could be much more serious than those seen during the typical flu season. Because most or all people would have little or no natural resistance to a pandemic virus, large numbers of persons around the world can be infected. The current Avian "Bird" Flu is a new influenza virus that could become a pandemic flu.

Counseling, Health and Wellness Services is working closely with the Tacoma/Pierce County Health Department to monitor and coordinate plans for the response to a possible influenza or flu pandemic.

Other Web Sites for Information: