Flu Update to Students & Families

How do I know if I have the Flu?

The symptoms of influenza include:

• Temperature 100 degrees or greater
• Cough, sore throat, body aches, headache, chills and fatigue
• Generally the symptoms of the flu come on quickly
• Read more: Is It a Cold or the Flu? [pdf]

What do I do if I develop Flu-like Symptoms?

Residential Students:

• Call the Wellness Center for an appointment at (585) 385-8280.

Commuters, Faculty and Staff:

Generally, people with the flu can manage themselves at home with little or no medical attention.

• Remain at home until you are fever free for 24 hours without using medications to lower your temperature.

High Risk Individuals:

High Risk Individuals include people of any age with certain chronic medical conditions, including:

• asthma
• diabetes
• immune-suppression
• heart, lung, liver, or kidney disease
• pregnant women
• adults 65 years and older
• children younger than five years old

Individuals at high risk for developing complications from the Flu should consult with their health care provider immediately after developing flu-like symptoms, or following recent close contact with someone who has flu-like symptoms.

How can I stay healthy?

• Cough in your sleeve or cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it.
• Wash your hands often with soap and warm water, especially after you cough, sneeze, or touch shared surfaces. Alcohol-based hand cleaners are also effective.
• Clean shared surfaces (doorknobs, keyboards, phones, etc.) with disinfectant
• Do not share cups, eating utensils, smoking paraphernalia, lip balm, etc.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs spread this way.
• Get a seasonal flu vaccine when available.
• Eat a balanced diet; exercise on a regular basis; get plenty of rest.

Limit close contact with sick people; Try and stay at least 6 feet away

Close contact includes:

• Sharing eating or drinking utensils.
• Kissing or embracing.
• Sharing lip balms, smoking paraphernalia, or other things that touch the mouth or nose.

Close contact typically does NOT include:

• Walking by an infected person
• Sitting across from someone in an office or waiting room.