By Juliana Seaman
TAMPA, Fla. — Flu season is conquering the city of Tampa one person at a time. With a virus this contagious, it is important to be cautious around others.
Influenza (flu) is at its peak around the fall and winter, traveling through the air. Flu season typically runs between October and May and is most common along the northern and southern hemispheres.
This sickness can last around a week or more and is spreading around The University of Tampa.
“The virus will travel through the air in droplets when someone with the infection coughs, sneezes, or talks. A person can then inhale the droplets directly, or you can pick up the virus touching an object and then touching their eyes, nose, or mouth,” said Valerie Kiefer, director of medical services at UTampa.
Once exposed, symptoms can show up almost a day later.
The most common symptoms one might experience during the flu are fever, cough, headache, body aches (muscle aches), feeling fatigued (tired), and sweating with or without chills.
UTampa senior Emma Dillow said she was feeling flu-like symptoms the Monday after Gasparilla.
“I would not wish this on my worst enemy,” said Dillow.
After seeking medical attention, Dillow was diagnosed with the flu.
While bedridden, Dillow takes Tamiflu, Zofran anti-nausea, and Motrin to help with the symptoms.
“I had a bunch of friends come over for Gaspy, and I want to say that’s when I got it. In fact, two of my friends also got the flu after Gaspy,” said Dillow.
Taylor Patten, a senior at the University of Florida, was celebrating with Dillow during Tampa’s annual holiday.
“I want to say I got the flu right after Gaspy, like that Sunday on my way back to Gainesville,” said Patten. “It’s pretty bad here in Gainesville as well. I had to go to six different pharmacies just to find Tamiflu,” she said.
One way to prevent catching the flu is the flu shot. According to Kiefer, the vaccine isn’t always a hundred percent effective, but it does “lower the chances of severe complications.”
A person who has the flu vaccine and still gets the flu would not feel as ill compared to someone who did not get the vaccine.
When the vaccine is not an option, over the counter medication like Tylenol and Ibuprofen can help with the symptoms.
Some at-home remedies are to stay hydrated, eat healthy, and get plenty of rest to help the immune system fight off the infection. Those who live with someone who is affected by the virus should wash their hands frequently and disinfect surfaces to prevent the virus from spreading further.
For UTampa students who feel they have the flu, Kiefer strongly suggests making an appointment to be seen at the Dickey Health and Wellness Center.
The Health and Wellness Center will perform a rapid test to confirm the flu and provide instructions on treating the illness and preventing it from spreading.
To make an appointment with the Health and Wellness Center, call the phone number on the back of the Spartan ID card.
Stay safe Spartans!
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Photo courtesy of Christina House, Los Angeles Times.