" Are you ready for cold/flu season?"

(Updated: 1/17/2013)

I. BE PROACTIVE

A. Get Vaccinated

• While there are many different flu viruses, the flu vaccine protects against the three viruses that research suggests will be most common.
• The CDC recommends most people older than 6 months get the flu shot.
• Immunity lasts at least 9 months so it is not too early to get the flu shot.

The Student Health Center has a supply of this year's vaccine. Call 924-6122 to make an appointment for your vaccination. Cost: $15

B. Take Everyday Preventive Action (see: Steps to Fight the Flu PDF)

• 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 water, especially after you cough or sneeze. Alcohol-based hand cleaners are also effective.
• Try to avoid close contact with sick people.
• If you get the flu, CDC recommends that you stay home from work or school and limit contact with others to keep from infecting them.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs spread this way.
• Eat healthy food, drink plenty of water, exercise, get plenty of rest, do not smoke and avoid alcoholic beverages.

C. Get a “Cold/Flu Kit”

Seasonal flu viruses cause many people to become sick each year, so it is wise to practice prevention. Don't be left unprepared, get a “cold/flu” kit together. Suggested items include:

• Thermometer (contact health provider if fever is 101 or greater for 3 or more days)
• Hand Sanitizer
• Tissues
• Acetaminophen

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II. IF YOU GET A COLD OR THE FLU

The CDC recommends that Universities do NOT require a doctor’s note to confirm illness or recovery. In accordance with this recommendation, the SJSU SHC does not issue doctor’s notes, sick notes or “excuses” for Influenza Like Illnesses (ILI).

Not having students come in for sick notes also helps to limit the spread of Influenza Like Illnesses (ILI) to students seeking treatment for other injuries or illnesses. It also helps to maintain student/professor communication as the context for determining whether course requirements are being met or not.

A. There is no need to contact your health care provider unless you have any of the following symptoms:

1. A fever of 101 or greater for 3 or more days
2. Shortness of breath or chest pain
3. Dizziness/fainting/confusion
4. Persistent vomiting or diarrhea
5. Symptoms that last for more than 10 days or are getting worse

B. Stay home to take care of yourself if you do not have any of the above symptoms or fit any of the above categories (see: Cold/Flu Treatment-PDF)                                                                                                                                            C. Check out these sites for more Self Care tips:

• Familydoctor.org
• eMedicineHealth
• Get Smart: Know When Antibiotics Work

D. Cover your cough! ("The Best Way to Cover Your Cough" Video" 2:07min)

 

       

 

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III. ADDITIONAL RESOURCES ON COLD and FLU

• Santa Clara County Public Health Department

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