What is the flu?
Influenza (flu) can be caused by three different strains of the influenza virus (types A, B, & C). Types A and B cause the classic symptoms of the flu--fever, sore throat, headache, cough, overall weakness, and body aches. Type C can cause simple symptoms like those of a cold. At flu season each year, different strains predominate, causing differing outbreaks from year to year.

How do I know if I have the flu?
You may have one or all of these symptoms.
-Stuffy or runny nose
-Sneezing
-Overall weakness
-Sore throat
-Dry cough
-Hoarseness
-Loss of appetite
-Watery red eyes
With a cold you could have all of the above symptoms, but with the flu you may have:
-Fever of 101 or above
-Aching muscles
-Headache
The above three symptoms are very prominent in flu, and flu is usually accompanied by a cough. With the flu you may be sick for several weeks and should be alert to potential subsequent complications (pneumonia).

How do I take care of myself?
-Drink plenty of fluids (10-12 glasses a day)
-Use a cool mist humidifier or warm bother steam from a shower.
-Warm salt gargles every 3-4 hours helps with pain and swelling (1/2 – 1 tsp. salt per cup of warm water)
-Bed rest for flu is recommended, but do move around to prevent lung complications.
-Use Tylenol or Ibuprofen per label instructions.
-Check with Heath Services or physician about individual care and medications.

When should I be concerned?
-White or yellow spots on tonsils or throat.
-Severe sore throat.
-Swollen, sore glands in throat or behind/below ears.
-Recent exposure to Strep Throat.
-Green or yellow mucous from nose.
-Pressure or discomfort in face area.
-Pain in teeth.
-Productive cough with green or yellow mucous.
-Fever above 101 with chills or shaking.
-Chest pain or shortness of breath.
-Pain in ears.