Health and Wellness has diagnosed more than 50 cases of influenza throughout the week, and there are likely many more cases out there, said Dr. Bruce Wright, director of Health and Wellness Services.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the flu is a contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses and can cause mild to severe sickness.
“We have been very busy the last three weeks treating people with flu-like symptoms,” Wright said.
Flu symptoms include fever, cough, fatigue, muscle aches, runny or stuffy nose and sore throat, Wright said.
This seems to be an increase in influenza from previous years, Wright said.
The main thing that people can do to prevent the flu is to get a flu shot, Wright said. HWS is offering the vaccine for $10, which is half price, to students, faculty and staff. Students can arrange to get the shot by calling HWS at 335-3575 or by visiting HWS. Faculty and staff can get the vaccine by calling Marsha Turnbull at 335-6778.
Other strategies for preventing the flu includes healthy habits, such as avoiding close contact with sick people, staying home if sick, covering your mouth or nose when you cough or sneeze and frequently washing your hands, Wright said. People should also avoid touching their eyes, nose or mouth and should take care of themselves regarding sleep, exercise and nutrition.
Information on other ways to prevent the spread of germs can be found at http://www.wsutoday.wsu.edu/completestory.asp?StoryID=3474.
More information on the flu can be found by visiting the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention web site at http://www.cdc.gov/flu/.
