Millions of people in the U.S. - about 8% of the population - will get the flu each year. Most people who get the flu will recover in 1 to 2 weeks, but some people can develop life-threatening complications (such as pneumonia) as a result of the flu. An average of about 20,000 people per year in the U.S. die from the flu, and 114,000 per year have to be admitted to the hospital as a result of influenza.

The flu usually comes on suddenly and may include these symptoms:

• Fever

• Headache

• Fatigue/Tiredness (can be extreme)

• Dry cough

• Sore throat

• Nasal congestion

• Body aches

• Loss of appetite

These symptoms are usually referred to as "flu-like symptoms." In addition to the flu virus, several other respiratory viruses also can circulate during the flu season and can cause symptoms and illness similar to those seen with flu infection. These non-flu viruses include rhinovirus (one cause of the common cold) and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV).

People of any age with chronic medical conditions, people over 65 years old and very young children are more likely to have complications from the flu. Pneumonia, bronchitis, and sinus and ear infections are three examples of complications from the flu. The flu can worsen chronic health problems. For example, people with asthma may experience asthma attacks while they have the flu, and people with chronic congestive heart failure may have worsening of this condition.

It is very difficult to distinguish the flu from other viral or bacterial causes of respiratory illnesses on the basis of symptoms alone. A test can confirm that an illness is influenza if the patient is tested within the first 2 to 3 days after symptoms begin. In addition, a medical provider's exam may be needed to determine whether a person has another infection that is a complication of the flu. 

1. Register with Brown’s “FluWeb” for assistance with your health care and missed classes. This online system allows you to report your illness and receive support from the deans in Student Life and the College. Please do not attend class if you have a fever of 100-degrees Fahrenheit or higher with a cough and/or sore throat.

2. Call Health Services (401.863-1330) or EMS for care.

Call EMS (Emergency Medical Services)at 401.863-4111 if you have (or your roommate/friend has):

• Pain in your chest;

• Difficulty breathing;

• Confusion or decreased awareness.

Call Health Services at 401.863-1330 IMMEDIATELY if you have:

• Severe headache;

• Rash;

• Stiff neck.

Call Health Services at 401.863-1330 TODAY if you:

• Were feeling better for 24 hours but now feel ill again (especially if you currently have fever or cough);

• Have bloody or rust-colored mucus;

• Have severe sore throat;

• Are unable to keep fluids down (i.e., you are vomiting back up anything you drink);

• Have any other condition that concerns you;

• Have a chronic medical condition, or are pregnant or nursing, and have not already talked with a University Health Services provider. (Chronic medical conditions include significant asthma or other respiratory illness, significant chronic cardiovascular, liver, blood, neurologic disease or diabetes, HIV, or taking immunosuppressive drugs).

3. Limit contact with others

• Keep away from others as much as possible until you have had no fever for 24 hours (without fever reducing medication). 

• Cover your cough and clean your hands with soap and water or an alcohol-based sanitizer often and especially after coughing or sneezing.

• Ask those in your household/suite/room to wash their hands often with soap and water or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.

• Cover your mouth and nose when coughing.

• Protect others by having no (or limited) visitors. Practice good hygiene and cough etiquette, and use separate towels and eating utensils

• Ask others to also follow these guidelines.

3. Treat your symptoms

• Fever: Fever is the most common symptom of the flu. To treat your fever, keep your room as cool as possible, wear light weight clothing, drink plenty of fluids, and take acetaminophen or ibuprofen per label instructions. Do not take aspirin.

• Cough: a dry cough is a cough that does not bring up much mucus. Drink lots of clear liquids.  Rest, soothe your throat with salt water gargles (½ teaspoon salt in 8 ounces of warm water) or cough lozenges. Avoid alcohol, caffeine, and cigarettes. 

• Body aches/headaches:  Acetaminophen or ibuprofen will help relieve body aches and/or headaches.  Follow label directions.

• Avoid dehydration: To prevent this, drink plenty of fluids.  Suggestions include water, broth, diluted fruit juices or Powerade, vegetable juices, decaffeinated tea, hot water with honey and lemon, Jello or popsicles.

In the U.S., the peak of flu season can occur anywhere from late December through March. 

The following groups should not get a flu shot before talking with their doctor:

• People who have a severe allergy to eggs, thimerosal (a medication preservative), or any other vaccine ingredients
  

• People who have had a severe reaction to a flu shot in the past
  

• People who previously developed Guillain-Barre syndrome (a disease which causes nerve damage) in the 6 weeks after getting a flu shot
  

• If you are sick, have an acute respiratory infection or have a fever, you should delay getting the flu shot until your symptoms are gone