Flu Season Returns: Tips to Avoid the Flu

February 10, 2011

With reports showing widespread influenza cases around the state and at the UW Student Health Service, the University of Wyoming and the Wyoming Department of Health encourage residents to take common-sense precautions to avoid getting ill or spreading the flu to others.

Since the first case was reported Jan. 21, UW Student Health Service reports treating one or two patients per day showing influenza-like systems. Influenza (flu) is a contagious respiratory illness caused by a virus. Symptoms include fever, headache, extreme tiredness, dry cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose and muscle aches. Influenza can cause severe illness and complications, particularly among older people.

UW's Environmental Health and Safety (EHS) Department suggests basic measures that can help slow or prevent the spread of influenza: Covering your mouth and nose with your sleeve or a tissue when you sneeze and cough; frequently washing your hands 20 seconds with soap and water or alcohol hand cleaners; avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth; avoiding people who are ill; and staying home from work, school, day care and errands when you are ill.

Located in Room 303 of Merica Hall, EHS is providing hand sanitizer at no cost, while supplies last. Two-liter bottles of hand sanitizer are available for university work areas.

EHS recommends placing the containers in conference rooms, meeting rooms, reception locations and other gathering areas. Pocket-sized hand sanitizers are available at the Wyoming Union information desk, the Student Health Service and the EHS department. Call the department at 766-3277 or visit https://www.uwyo.edu/uw/campus-safety/influenza-information/index.html.

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