Influenza/Flu: Symptoms

• A fever (temperature of 100°F [37.8°C] or greater)
• AND a cough and/or a sore throat

Students should call the Health and Wellness Center for an appointment 610-606-4640. You will be evaluated and possibly tested for influenza. If emergency medical attention is needed beyond the Health Center hours, students are advised to call Campus Security by dialing "0" if you are on campus. If you are off campus dial your local emergency number. Faculty and Staff should contact their primary care physicians.

Confirmed Flu

• For fever, pain, or general sick feeling, take acetaminophen (Tylenol-650 mg. every 4 hours or 1000 mg. every 6 hours), or ibuprofen (Advil- or Motrin 400 mg. every 4 hours). Ibuprofen must be taken with food. Tylenol may be alternated every 2 hours with Advil. (For example, 2 tablets Tylenol at 10 a.m., 2 Advil at noon, 2 Tylenol at 2 p.m. and so on.)
• To keep your throat moist, increase your fluid intake (i.e. Gatorade and tea). If it is difficult to swallow solid foods, nourishment can be maintained with gelatin desserts, fruit juices, ice cream, etc. Warm fluids often feel better than cold fluids.
• Lozenges such as Cepacol or Sucrets may make you feel better. Hard candies may also be soothing.
• Get extra rest.
• For nasal congestion, an over-the-counter medicine such as Sudafed is advised.
• For cough, an over-the-counter cough syrup that contains dextromethorphan can suppress your cough.
• Students with medical conditions (i.e. asthma, diabetes, cardiac disease) should start antiviral medication as soon as possible and definitely within 48 hours of the onset of symptoms. Health and Wellness Center staff can provide prescriptions.
• Do not take any medications to which you have a known allergy.