Symptoms, Prevention, and Treatment
Influenza is an upper respiratory infection and can be very serious. Symptoms tend to come on quickly and include the following:
- sore throat
- body aches
- extreme tiredness
This is not a “stomach flu,” which includes nausea and vomiting.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) recommend that everyone over six months of age be vaccinated. Vaccinations are available through UMM Health Service or local healthcare providers.
Help prevent the spread of influenza and stay healthy:
- Get a flu shot.
- Cover your cough and keep washing your hands.
- Stay away from others who are ill.
- Keep your immune system strong by getting plenty of sleep and eating well.
Take these steps if you develop symptoms:
- Stay home and get plenty of rest.
- Drink plenty of fluids to stay hydrated.
- Take a fever-reducing medicine.
The vast majority of people do not need to be seen by a healthcare professional for influenza. Influenza is a viral infection and antibiotics will only help with bacterial infections.
See a doctor if you develop any of the following symptoms
- difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
- a fever that lasts more than 72 hours
- a cough that lasts more than three weeks
- bloody mucus
- signs of dehydration, such as dizziness when standing, not passing urine, a lack of tears when crying, blurred vision, or confusion or other changes to your mental status