Posted: February 4, 2013
I feel sick.
Are you achy all over and have a fever and killer headache? Are you feeling really tired in spite of getting to
bed early? Is your runny nose, sore throat and cough more than a cold? Are you
sneezing like in this video?
If so, it’s likely you have
influenza, or the flu for short. The influenza virus is making the rounds again
this year and unfortunately some Capilano University students, faculty and
staff have already been bitten by the bug.
Having the flu isn’t fun, especially
when you have classes to attend, papers due and tests to write. And when you
have the flu, you’re not fun to be around, especially since the flu is highly
contagious and you can spread the virus directly by coughing or sneezing or
through communal surfaces.
Prevention is the best medicine.
The best way to avoid feeling sick
is to take preventative measures to avoid catching—and spreading—the virus.
Here’s how:
- Wash your hands
often with soap and water. (Hint: sing ‘Happy Birthday’ twice to make sure
you’re washing long enough)
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or
mouth. Germs spread this way.
- Try to avoid close contact with sick
people.
- Practice good health habits. Get
plenty of sleep and exercise, manage your stress, drink plenty of fluids, and
eat healthy food.
- Cover your nose and mouth
when you cough or sneeze, either with a tissue or by coughing or sneezing into
your shirt sleeve (crook of your arm) rather than your hands. Throw the tissue
in the trash right after you use it.
As an added measure, use hand sanitizer.
Hand sanitizing stations can be found in various locations throughout campus or
carry your own supply.
Roll up your sleeve and get vaccinated.
The best line of defense against the
influenza virus is to get immunized every year with the flu vaccine.
For those students who have not already had a flu
vaccination, Capilano University has a limited supply of the vaccine available
to students for free, on a first-come, first-served basis while supplies last.
- Drop
by Health Services or call 604.984.4964 to make an appointment
Tuesdays and Thursdays
8 a.m. - 3 p.m.
Birch building, room 249
Flu shots are also available through
your family doctor, most pharmacies and special flu
clinics.
If you are experiencing flu-like
symptoms, you can help yourself and those around you by staying home and only
return to campus when you feel completely well—wait at least 24 hours after
your fever is gone.
Here are some tips
to help ease the symptoms and get you on the road to recovery.
We’re committed to the health and
well-being of everyone who walks through our doors each day. Let’s all do our part
to prevent catching and spreading the flu, and remaining healthy.
Vancouver Coastal Health (VCH) has additional helpful
information on their website. Also, HealthLinkBC
Submitted by: Public Affairs office