Health Center

Check Your Symptoms

Should You See A Health Care Provider If You Have Flu-Like Symptoms?

Yes

Students with chronic medical problems experiencing flu-like illness should be seen by a medical provider. To obtain an appointment, please call a nurse at (781) 736-3677 if you have any of the following medical problems:

• Asthma or chronic pulmonary disease (e.g., cystic fibrosis)
• Diabetes, adrenal insufficiency (e.g., Addison’s disease)
• Chronic renal or hepatic disease (e.g., nephritis, dialysis, chronic hepatitis)
• Gastrointestinal disease (e.g., Crohn’s, ulcerative colitis)
• Cardiovascular disease (e.g., congenital heart disease)
• Neuromuscular disorders (e.g., Multiple Sclerosis, cerebral palsy)
• Hematologic disorders (e.g., platelet and clotting disorders)
• Chronic rheumatologic disorder (e.g., Lupus, rheumatoid arthritis)
• Immunosuppression due to HIV / AIDs, chemotherapy, cancer or chronic steroid use

Pregnant women: If your flu-like symptoms improve but then return with fever and worse cough, call Student Health Services or your medical provider immediately. Get emergency medical care if you are having difficulty breathing, chest pain, severe or continued vomiting, or feel confused or disoriented.

No

Most cases of flu-like illness seen at Student Health Services have been mild. Generally, healthy students with flu-like illness do not need to be seen by a medical provider. Instead, call (781) 736-3677 and talk with a nurse. The nurse will assist you with home care instructions, isolation and answer your questions.

Call a doctor if you have any of the following symptoms:

• Fever of 104°F or higher that does not go down within 2 hours of home treatment
• Any fever that lasts more than three days
• Are not drinking fluids or are unable to hold them down
• Major changes in mood and awareness
• Seizures (uncontrolled twitching, shaking or convulsions)
• Symptoms that improve for 24 hours and then worsen, with more fever and cough
• Still “acts sick” after the fever is brought down
• Unusual eye sensitivity to bright light
• Stiff neck or pain when bending your head forward
• Severe headache
• Unusual skin rash
• Severe swelling in the throat
• Not feeling better in three to five days
• Any other unusual symptoms or concerns
• Any worsening of an existing chronic illness