Is It a Cold or the Flu?

Public Information from the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases and U.S. Centers for Disease Control

What are the symptoms of the flu?

Influenza is a respiratory illness. Symptoms of flu include fever, headache, extreme tiredness, dry cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, and muscle aches. Children can have additional gastro-intestinal symptoms, such as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea, but these symptoms are uncommon in adults. Although the term "stomach flu" is sometimes used to describe vomiting, nausea, or diarrhea, these illnesses are caused by certain other viruses, bacteria, or possibly parasites, and are rarely related to influenza.

How do I find out if I have the flu?

It is very difficult to distinguish the flu from other viral or bacterial causes of respiratory illnesses on the basis of symptoms alone. A test can confirm that an illness is influenza if the patient is tested within the first two to three days after symptoms begin. In addition, a doctor’s examination may be needed to determine whether a person has another infection that is a complication of influenza.

How soon will I get sick if I am exposed to the flu?

The time from when a person is exposed to flu virus to when symptoms begin is about one to four days, with an average of about two days.

How many people get sick or die from the flu every year?

Each flu season is unique, but it is estimated that approximately 10% to 20% of U.S. residents get the flu, and an average of 114,000 persons are hospitalized for flu-related complications. About 36,000 Americans die on average per year from the complications of flu.

Do other respiratory viruses circulate during the flu season?

In addition to the flu virus, several other respiratory viruses also can circulate during the flu season and can cause symptoms and illness similar to those seen with flu infection. These non-flu viruses include rhinovirus (one cause of the “common cold”) and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), which is the most common cause of severe respiratory illness in young children as well as a leading cause of death from respiratory illness in those aged 65 years and older.

If you think you may have the flu visit the IWU Health Service or contact your health care provider.

Flu shot availability will be announced.

Arnold Health Service

Hours:
Monday - Friday
8 a.m. - 12 noon
1 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.

Magill Hall - Lower Level
(309)556-3107
(309)556-3805 (Fax)

Did You Know Our Nurse Practitioner Can Provide:

General:

• Diagnose & Treat Common Illnesses and Minor Injuries

• Order & Interpret diagnostic studies

• Prescribe/Manage Medication Therapy

• Make Referrals to Specialists

Women’s Health:

• Treat Bladder Infections

• Evaluate Vaginal Discharge

• Make Referrals for Birth Control and STDs

• Acne Treatment

Men’s Health:

• Urinary complaints

• Penile Discharge  Make Referrals for STDs

• Testicular Lumps/Bumps

• Acne Treatment

Procedures:

• Sutures ”Stitches”

• Wart Removal

• Foreign Body Removal

• Burn/Wound Care

Mission

Health Service strives to provide quality, accessible, comprehensive and cost effective health care that enables students to achieve their academic and intellectual potential. Cultural competency and the impact of global health issues are addressed and understood to be of concern to our students, parents, campus and community. We offer support to the student from admission to graduation with our goal to positively affect their future well being by encouraging the development of healthy lifestyles and sound medical choices.