If You Think You Have the Flu

If you are not feeling well

Do you have a fever or chills AND a cough or sore throat?

If "yes,"you may have the flu. Symptoms of flu include fever or chills and cough or sore throat. In addition, symptoms of flu can include runny nose, body aches, headache, tiredness, diarrhea, or vomiting.

Please do NOT go to class or work if you are sick with a fever AND cough or sore throat.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommend that you stay home if you are sick with flu-like illness until at least 24 hours after you are free of fever (100 degrees Fahrenheit or 38 degrees Celsius) or signs of a fever (have chills, feel very warm, have a flushed appearance, or are sweating). Fever should be determined without the use of fever-reducing medicines (any medicine that contains ibuprofen or acetaminophen).

If you are at higher risk for complications from the flu and you are sick, contact the Health Center or your health care provider as soon as possible. People with chronic medical conditions (such as pulmonary disease, asthma, diabetes, neuromuscular disorders, or heart disease) are more likely to get complications from the flu. Your health care provider may prescribe antiviral drugs, and they are most effective when started within 2 days of getting sick.

In addition, emergency warning signs that you need urgent medical attention include

• Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
• Pain or pressure in the chest or abdomen
• Sudden dizziness
• Confusion
• Severe or persistent vomiting
• Flu-like symptoms improve but then return with fever and worse cough
• Contact the Health Center if you have any questions.

Missing Class
If you think you have the flu, contact the Office of Student Development for assistance notifying your professors, coaches, and campus supervisors.

Getting Meals
Students who are sick and isolating themselves can ask a roommate, suitemate, RA, or friend to bring meals. Simply send an email to knoxfood@knox.edu to notify Dining Services with the name of the student bringing your meal. The authorized person can then pick up a meal using your ID card. (Please give Dining Services 45 minutes notice.)

Caring for someone who is sick
Learn more about caring for someone sick with flu.

For more informationon flu, visit www.flu.gov or call 1-800-CDC-INFO (1-800-232-4636).