College Health TV
As winter approaches, many college students may find themselves experiencing the dreaded flu season. The flu can sometimes be mistaken for a common cold, but there are distinct signs that set it apart. Knowing these warning signs is crucial for your student health. If you notice these symptoms, it’s important to seek medical attention promptly to avoid complications.
1. Fever and Chills
One of the most common signs that you have the flu is a fever. College students often brush off a fever, but it’s a key symptom of the flu. If you’re experiencing a temperature higher than 100.4°F along with chills, it’s likely the flu rather than a simple cold. If you don’t have a fever, it’s probably not the flu.
2. Intense Headache
A sudden, intense headache is another common flu symptom. While mild headaches can be a sign of a cold, flu headaches tend to be much more severe. If you’re experiencing sharp, throbbing pain, it could be an indication that you have the flu and should consider seeing a healthcare professional at your campus student health center.
3. Nasal Congestion and Sore Throat
The flu can cause nasal congestion and a sore throat, making it difficult to breathe or swallow. This is similar to a cold, but the severity is usually greater when it’s the flu. If you notice a stuffy nose accompanied by a sore throat, it could mean the flu is starting to take hold of your body.
4. Muscle Aches and Body Pain
One of the distinguishing features of the flu is widespread body pain. When you have the flu, your muscles may feel sore and fatigued. This pain can be more intense than what you might experience with a cold, making it another key indicator that you may have the flu.
5. Unusual Fatigue and Weakness
If you find yourself unusually tired and weak, it may be more than just the stress of college life. Flu symptoms often include a sudden onset of extreme fatigue. This can leave you feeling exhausted, drained of energy, and unable to focus on daily tasks. Unlike a cold, where you may feel slightly tired, the flu often results in a significant loss of energy.
6. Persistent Coughing and Sneezing
Flu symptoms also include a deep cough, often accompanied by a sore throat. If your cough is persistent and more intense than a typical cold, this could be a sign of the flu. Congestion in the chest can also make it uncomfortable to breathe. Additionally, sneezing may accompany these symptoms, which are typical of the flu.
Why It’s Important for College Students to Recognize Flu Symptoms
For college students, the flu can significantly disrupt both your health and academics. Student health is important, and being proactive about recognizing flu symptoms can help prevent it from spreading across campus. If you experience any of these symptoms, it’s essential to visit your campus health center or speak with a healthcare professional for a proper diagnosis and treatment.
Remember to practice good hygiene—wash your hands frequently, avoid close contact with sick individuals, and ensure you’re getting enough rest and nutrients to support your immune system during flu season. College Health TV is here to provide you with the best health tips for college students, ensuring that you stay healthy and energized to succeed throughout your college journey.
Since the season for the flu starts in December and lasts through March, the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services recommends that you get a flu shot no later than October 31. People who are 50 years of age and older are encouraged to get the shot on a yearly basis. If you suspect you have the flu, don’t hesitate to see a doctor. Sometimes the flu can lead to pneumonia, and sometimes pneumonia can lead to death.
References:
https://www.cdc.gov/flu/about/index.html
GIPHY App Key not set. Please check settings