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Tips for Flu Season

We all talk about the flu, but some of us don't know what the flu really is. I personally never really knew what a flu was until last year when I ended up having my share of it, OH MY GOD it wasn't nice, then I had no choice, but to do my research to know more about it. Let me save you all the stress and agony (if you haven't had it before) of you being in my situation because I feel I got a really good share of my portion of the flu.

Let's start by knowing what the flu is. Influenza is a contagious respiratory illness caused by flu viruses. It can cause mild to severe illness, and at times can lead to death.

DON'T PANIC

DO YOU HAVE IT?

Signs and symptoms of the flu:

  • Cough

  • Sore throat

  • Runny or stuffy nose

  • Body aches

  • Headaches (had that)

  • Fatigue (had that)

  • Some people may have vomiting and diarrhea (nope)

  • Fever (had that)

A cold and a flu can seem very similar...one of the biggest tells is if you have a fever, a cold wouldn't typically give you one

DON"T HAVE IT, BUT WANT TO PROTECT YOURSELF?

how to avoid the flu:

  • Don't make out with everyone OR share drinks!

Do this:

Don't do this:

  • Wash hands frequently

  • Sanitize hands properly

Don't do this :

  • stay home if you are sick

  • I know what you're thinking..."I'll get in trouble!!!!" the professor will be understanding if you let them know ASAP...don't email then a week later and expect them to say "that's okay"

  • cover mouth properly when sneezing or coughing

Now we need to know more about the flu vaccine (flu shot). FYI, a vaccine that is used to stimulate the production of antibodies and provide immunity against one or several diseases, the flu vaccine also causes antibodies to develop in the body about two weeks after vaccination. how long the flu shot last's, depends on how strong your immune system is. it also advice to take the flu vaccine early fall to prevent it as a whole, but its better late than never.

At UMass Boston the University Health Services offers the flu vaccine to all students. In addition, if you catch the flu early, make sure to:

  • REST!

  • read, watch movies,

  • Eat a balanced diet

  • Drink lots of clear fluids

  • talk to your mommy

  • go to the doctor if you don't feel like you're getting better

  • AND DON'T COME TO CAMPUS, DON'T SPREAD IT!

  • OR wear a face mask if you have to

Good luck out there!

​

~Chris


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