Flu Tips
Symptoms of the flu include:
- Fever (101° – 104°), lasting 3 – 5 days
- Headache, severe muscle and joint aches
- Sore throat
- Tiredness, can be extreme and last 2 weeks or more
- Dry cough
- Runny or stuffy nose
What to do if you have flu symptoms:
- Rest in bed
- Drink lots of fluids (water or juice)
- Take non-aspirin pain relievers to reduce fever and pain (Never give aspirin to children or teens with fever - they can get a serious disease called Reye syndrome.)
- Stay home and avoid public activities for at least 5 days (7 days for children), so that you don’t pass the flu to other people
Flu Update 9-11
Brandeis, like many colleges and universities, has seen an increasing number of students with flu-like symptoms since the start of fall classes. Through mid-September, 12 students have developed these symptoms. Because the Department of Public Health is not testing for H1N1 flu in the community, these students have been identified by their clinical symptoms.
As per our prior plan, these students have been isolated, fed, cared for and treated when appropriate. Some of those who come from nearby communities have returned home. Those who have stayed on campus or in off-campus housing have been cared for by Brandeis staff and caring friends. Our recommendations remain that if you live within driving distance from Brandeis, (and that may mean much of New England, New York, New Jersey and Eastern Pennsylvania), we encourage you to return home by private car to recuperate
Our experience, thus far, is that the disease has been mild, with most students recovering in three to five days. After being free of fever and fever-reducing drugs for 24 hours, these students have been able to return to their activities and classes.
Brandeis University has been preparing for an outbreak of H1N1 and will continue to monitor the virus’ spread on campus and in other area schools. Classes, events and team practices are continuing. Faculty and coaches have been notified of ill students, and provisions have been made to permit these students to make up their work.
As we work together to manage these health concerns, we urge the campus community to continue their efforts at simple but effective preventive measures to minimize the chance of infection.
- Cover coughs and sneezes with a tissue, sleeve or elbow
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with hands
- Wash hands frequently or use hand sanitizer
We ask that you remain vigilant for symptoms of fever, body aches, headache, cough or sore throat, especially if you have asthma, diabetes or other condition that might affect your immunity. Monitor your temperature and consult the Brandeis Health Center if you have questions. If you develop a fever, isolation is a key strategy to prevent the spread of illness. Please do not go to class, play sports, socialize with friends or our attend events if you feel ill or feverish.
The Brandeis Health Center Web site has extensive information about the H1N1 flu virus. Additional information is available through the CDC Web site and the Massachusetts Department of Public Health.
The first seasonal flu clinic will be held on Monday, Sept. 14. Flu shots will be available at the Health Center from 1 to 6 p.m. This vaccine will continue to be available through the fall. The H1N1 flu vaccine will be available in mid- to late October.