Cold and Flu Self-care

During the winter/spring months, campus sees a large increase of cold and flu-like symptoms. Below are links to the CDC and basic symptoms/treatments to help you in deciding if an appointment at the HCC is necessary.  

Cold

Symptoms can typically last 7-14 days and include:

• sore throat
• congestion
• coughing
• sneezing
• headaches
• body aches

Cold's typically cure themselves through getting extra rest and drinking lots of fluids. Antibiotics will not help you recover from a cold. They do not work against viruses, and they may make it harder for your body to fight future bacterial infections if you take them unnecessarily. 

Please make an appointment at the HCC if you have:

• a temperature higher than 100.4° F for more than 24 hours
• symptoms that last more than 14 days

Flu 

Flu symptoms will last 10-14 days and include:

• cough
• fever
• sore throat
• runny or stuffy nose
• body aches
• headache
• chills
• fatigue
• sometimes diarrhea and vomiting

Most people with the flu have mild illness and do not need to seek medical care from a nurse or nurse practitioner. If you get sick with flu symptoms, in most cases, you should stay home getting lots of rest, drinking lots of fluids, and avoiding contact with other people. CDC recommends that you stay home for at least 24 hours after your fever is gone except to get medical care or other necessities. Your fever should be gone without the use of a fever-reducing medicine, such as Tylenol®. You should stay home from work, school, travel, shopping, social events, and public gatherings.

Please call to make an appointment at the HCC if you have:

• difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
• pain or pressure in the chest or abdomen
• sudden dizziness
• confusion
• severe or persistent vomiting
• a stiff neck

The Health and Counseling Center is a firm believer that the best flu treatment is prevention. The flu vaccine is available at the HCC for $20 or at any of the surrounding pharmacies where your insurance is accepted. 

To make an appointment or to speak to a nurse regarding your concerns please call 503.943.7134