[Eoscstudents] Influenza Risk

[Bryan Denny]

This area is experiencing greater than normal occurrences of Influenza A
(the Flu).  It is important to protect yourself against contracting or
spreading the flu.

*What is type A influenza?*

Influenza — also known as the flu — is a contagious viral infection that
attacks your respiratory system.

Influenza viruses that infect humans can be classified into three main
groups: A, B, and C. Types A influenza infection can be serious and cause
widespread outbreaks and disease.

Common symptoms of type A infection can be confused with other conditions.
While in some milder cases the flu can resolve on its own without
significant symptoms, severe cases of type A influenza can be
life-threatening.

*Influenza A symptoms*

Unlike a common cold, the flu typically occurs with a sudden onset of
symptoms. Common signs of an influenza infection include:

coughing

runny or stuffy nose

sneezing

sore throat

fever

headache

fatigue

chills

body aches

Sometimes, influenza A symptoms may resolve on their own. However, if
symptoms persist for more than a week without improvement, schedule a visit
with your doctor. In rare cases, the flu can be deadly.

*Left untreated, the flu can cause:*

ear infection

diarrhea

nausea

vomiting

dizziness

abdominal pain

chest pain

asthma attack

pneumonia

bronchitis

cardiac issues

*Treatment*

In some cases, influenza A symptoms can clear on their own with ample rest
and fluid intake. In other cases, your doctor may prescribe antiviral
medication to fight the infection.

Common antiviral prescriptions include:

zanamivir (Relenza)

oseltamivir (Tamiflu)

peramivir (Rapivab)

These medications, known as neuraminidase inhibitors, reduce the ability of
the influenza virus to spread from cell to cell, slowing down the infection
process.

Though effective, these medications can cause side effects such as nausea
and vomiting. If you begin to experience any of these symptoms or if your
condition worsens, stop using the prescription and visit your doctor
immediately.

A new medication called baloxavir marboxil (Xofluza), created by a Japanese
pharmaceutical company, was approved in October 2018 by the U.S. Food and
Drug Administration (FDA). This antiviral drug helps stop the influenza
virus from replicating.

Over-the-counter medication therapy can also ease flu symptoms. Be sure to
stay hydrated to loosen mucus in your chest and strengthen your immune
system.

*How long is it contagious?*

If you have the flu, you’re contagious from at least a day before you begin
to experience symptoms *up through five days after your symptoms begin*.

In more severe cases, you could be contagious for even longer after you
begin experiencing symptoms. This number can fluctuate if your immune
system is weak or undeveloped, specifically in cases of children or older
adults.

*Prevention*

The best way to prevent the flu is through annual vaccinations. Each flu
shot protects against three to four different influenza viruses within that
year’s flu season.

Other ways to prevent spreading this disease include:

washing your hands regularly

avoiding large crowds, specifically during a flu outbreak

covering your mouth and nose when you cough or sneeze

staying home if you develop a fever and for at least 24 hours after it goes
away

Bryan Denny
Director of Student Life
Criminal Justice Chair/C.O.P. Director
Eastern Oklahoma State College
1301 W. Main Wilburton OK  74578
Ph: (918) 465-1818  Fax: (918) 465-4494
bdenny at eosc.edu
-------------- next part --------------
An HTML attachment was scrubbed...
URL: <http://lists.onenet.net/pipermail/eoscstudents/attachments/20190205/6b1730a8/attachment.html>