The W Health Center offers advice for flu season

The headlines are everywhere; the flu has reared its ugly head for another year. Cases are on the rise across the state, and Mississippi University for Women is no exception.

According to the Campus Health Center staff, there have been an increase in flu cases among the students, faculty and staff at The W.

While the peak of flu season varies from year to year, it seems to be early this year.

“We have seen an increased number of flu cases this January and February,” noted health center staff.

The flu presents with a variety of symptoms and severity. Some common symptoms to be on the lookout for include: fever, chills, body aches, congestion, cough, sore/scratchy throat and headaches.

If any of these symptoms present themselves, individuals are advised to stay at home and monitor their symptoms. They should seek medical treatment if they develop a fever with a rash or a fever above 104 degrees Fahrenheit that is not controlled by fever-reducing medicine, shortness of breath, chest pain or any other worsening symptoms.

“You can go back to your normal activities when, for at least 24 hours, both are true: Your symptoms are getting better overall, and you have not had a fever and are not using fever-reducing medication. After these two criteria are met, there are some additional precautions that can be taken to protect others from respiratory illness,” reads the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) website.

Other actions for infected individuals include washing hands frequently, covering the mouth and nose when sneezing and coughing, wearing a mask and physical distancing.

For those not infected, what follows are some tips for minimizing the risk of infection.

• Get the flu vaccine. It is recommended that everyone six months and older should get the vaccine. The Campus Health Center offers the shot.
• Take necessary steps for cleaner air and hygiene practices such as cleaning frequently touched surfaces and washing hands frequently.
• Wearing a mask and maintaining a safe distance from others.
• Avoid touching eyes, nose and mouth.

For more information about The W’s Campus Health Center, please visit www.muw.edu/healthcenter/.