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University of Lynchburg

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Staying Healthy This Flu Season

Important Influenza Update

If you exhibit flu or flu-like symptoms – cough, sore throat, fever – please stay home (commuter students, faculty and staff) or self-isolate (residential students) in your residence hall room. Also, it is best to avoid crowded indoor spaces and events.

Student Health Services is administering “pink slips” to students who have been diagnosed by College medical staff as having influenza-like illness or Flu. Students are advised to alert their professors and supervisors of their illness. Rather than visit with faculty and supervisors (and further spread illness) it is suggested that you snap a photo of your pink slip and e-mail it as notification of your illness and absence from class or work.

Students missing class because of the flu will not be penalized in any way.

Recommendations for preventing the flu and guidance for those who contract the virus:

Get a flu shot if you have not received one already. The CDC is still recommending the flu shot if you have not yet received one this flu season.

If you have the flu, we strongly recommend you be proactive and do the following:

  • Self-isolate to prevent spreading the virus. Consider going home to rest. If you are not able to go home, do not attend classes or events until your fever is gone for 24 hours without having to take ibuprofen or Tylenol.
  • Eat meals in your room until your fever is gone. Meal passes are provided by the Student Health Center to allow friends to bring meals to ill students.
  • Rest, drink lots of fluids and take ibuprofen or Tylenol for fever.
  • Return to the Health Center if your symptoms worsen.

Common questions regarding the flu:

What is the flu?
The flu is an illness caused by flu viruses. The flu may make people cough and have a sore throat and fever. They may also have a runny or stuffy nose, feel tired, have body aches, or show other signs they are not well. The flu happens every year and is more common in the fall and winter.
How does the flu spread?
People who have the flu can spread the virus by coughing or sneezing. Droplets released when a sick person coughs, sneezes, or talks can land in the mouths or noses of people who are nearby. The droplets can also be inhaled into the lungs. People may also catch the flu by touching their mouth or nose after touching something with the virus on it, such as doorknobs, tables, or an infected person’s dirty hand.
How long can a person with the flu spread the virus to other people?
Most people may be able to spread the flu from 1 day before showing symptoms to 5 to 7 days after symptoms begin.
What can I do to protect myself from getting sick?
  • Get a flu shot. It is not too late. Vaccines are still available at local pharmacies.
  • Wash your hands. Soap and water is more effective against the flu virus than hand sanitizers.
  • Stay away from people who are sick.
  • Get plenty of rest.
Are there medicines to treat the flu?
Yes. Prescription medicines called antiviral drugs can treat the flu. Most people who get sick get better without the need for these medicines. But, if you need help getting well, your doctor may decide to give you antiviral drugs.

For additional information, visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).