Flu Hard on Collegians

By Mandy Locke, The News & Observer, Raleigh, N.C.

Feb. 8–It’s back. Winter’s flu virus is in full swing.

State public health officials say it’s hammering children and young adults. College students are hit worst of all this year. Student health directors are reporting droves of college students coming their way for a quick cure to the season’s worst enemy, said Dr. Jeff Engel, state epidemiologist for the Division of Public Health. The flu bug forces body temperatures to 100 degrees or more and inflicts a nagging cough and raw throat.

If you’re sick, health officials urge you to lie low and keep your germs to yourself. For those still healthy, there is a silver lining on this Kleenex cloud: It’s not too late for a flu shot.

The shot

Public health officials say this year’s vaccine is doing a good job shielding patients from the flu. But it takes about two weeks to set in. Shots are still in good supply at local doctors’ offices and public health departments.

Be gone, germs

Wash your hands often, and don’t share cups or glasses. Avoid elevators and planes, where the virus is more easily passed. If you have a house full of infected relatives, you could ask your doctor for a round of anti-viral medicine as a pre-emptive strike.

When to call the doctor

If you act on the flu early — within the first 48 hours of onset — a doctor can prescribe antiviral drugs that ease the worst flu symptoms. If you’ve missed that window, the best remedies are staying home to rest and drinking lots of fluids.

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