Influenza is an acute contagious disease caused by a specific virus. It commonly occurs in epidemics. The symptoms of fever, cough, headache, muscle aches and weakness seem out of proportion to what one would expect with a common cold.

The disease is transmitted by close personal contact. Symptoms normally appear one to three days after exposure. There is customarily a sudden onset of headache, fever (100-103 degrees), muscle aches (frequently in the legs and lower back but sometimes affecting the abdominal muscles), and cough. Stomach and intestinal symptoms are not common. Recovery is usually complete in two to three days, but in some epidemics, symptoms can last up to a week.

Take good care of yourself! Rest and liquids are important. Acetaminophen (two 325 mg tablets every four to six hours) is fine for fever and muscle aches. Avoid aspirin products, which have been linked to the development of Reye’s Syndrome in children and young adults. If the cough is severe and keeps you from resting, Health Services may prescribe a cough medicine. If you are a smoker, it is important to stop smoking. A gradual return to full activity is advised. Amantadine and rimantadine, oral anti-viral agents, may decrease the duration of signs and symptoms of clinical influenza by about 50% if initiated within 48 hours after onset of the disease.

Note: Antibiotics do not affect the course of uncomplicated influenza, nor is there evidence that they prevent complications.

Complications are not common but may include ear infections, sinus infections or pneumonia. If you suspect you may have complications, you should go to Health Services. It is also uncommon to have a temperature over 100 degrees past the third day and a severe cough should not last more than a week. If these occur, you should go to Health Services and be examined.

Influenza virus vaccine can be important in the prevention of the illness. Annual vaccination is needed because influenza viruses mutate and change from year to year. People with medical conditions which put them at increased risk from a respiratory infection should always get their flu shot!

Indications for vaccination include:

1. Heart disease
2. Lung disease (including asthma)
3. Kidney disease
4. Diabetes
5. Severe anemia
6. Certain malignancies
7. Anyone who wants to avoid getting the flu

Amantadine and rimantadine are used occasionally for high-risk patients with chronic medical problems to help prevent Influenza A. They do not interfere with the protective effect of the influenza vaccine.

updated July 2, 2003