With cold and flu season upon us, the Barnes Center at The Arch encourages students to maintain good health practices and monitor for symptoms that could be a sign of illness. Contact a health care provider if you have an underlying medical condition such as asthma, or have severe symptoms such as shortness of breath, chest pain, dizziness, severe muscle pain, severe weakness, or a fever or cough that improves and then worsens.
Flu (Influenza)
Flu is a contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses that infect the nose, throat and sometimes the lungs. Symptoms may be mild to severe and commonly include fever or chills, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, muscle or body aches, headaches and fatigue. Learn more about flu from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Prevention
Maintaining these good health practices can help prevent the spread of illnesses.
- Get your flu shot.
- Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth with unwashed hands.
- Disinfect frequently touched surfaces.
- Cover your nose and mouth when coughing or sneezing.
- If you are not feeling well, stay home.
- Avoid close contact with others who are sick.
- Avoid sharing cups, utensils, chapstick, etc. with other people.