Important Flu Information

To all members of the Holy Cross Community:

You may have seen news reports today concerning a Worcester State College student who died from the flu on Sunday. Holy Cross Health Services is very concerned about the influenza season and is taking precautions by educating students about the symptoms of influenza and preventive health habits.

Influenza is a contagious disease that is caused by the influenza virus. The flu is different from a cold. Influenza is a respiratory illness and not a stomach or intestinal disease. Symptoms come on suddenly and may include the following: fever, headache, tiredness (can be extreme), dry cough, sore throat, nasal congestion, and body aches.

Peak flu season runs from December until March. The virus is spread when a person who has the flu coughs, sneezes, or speaks and sends flu virus into the air, and other people inhale the virus. Influenza may be spread when a person touches a surface that has flu viruses on it- a door handle, for instance-and then touches his or her nose or mouth. The virus is contagious one day before symptoms, up until three - seven days after symptoms have developed.

Holy Cross Health Services asks students with flu-like symptoms to make an appointment with a health care provider at ext. 2276. Our hours are Monday-Friday from 7:30 a.m. until 8 p.m. We are open weekends from 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.

Health Services is located on the first floor of Loyola. After hours, Public Safety is available at ext. 2222. Public Safety should be called if you have moderate-severe flu-like symptoms and Health Services is closed. They will assist you in contacting the on-call physician or bring you to the emergency room if needed. Students may also call their primary care providers.

Health Services encourages you to be diligent about hand-washing. Keep surface and bathroom areas clean. Cover your mouth and nose when coughing and sneezing. Avoid using alcohol and drugs, and plan time for rest during exam periods. Influenza is caused by a virus, so antibiotics don't work to cure it. Use ibuprofen or Tylenol for fever and/or muscle aches. Do not take medications that contain aspirin. Aspirin can cause a rare but serious illness called Reye Syndrome. More information is available at www.cdc.gov.

We are here to be of assistance, so don't hesitate to contact us!

Martha Sullivan, MS, CS Director of Health Services Health Services

Related information:

# www.cdc.gov # Holy Cross Public Safety # Holy Cross Health Services