Increase in Flu Cases Seen on Campus

The nation and Wisconsin are battling with an increase in cases of influenza, and UW–Madison isn’t immune. Despite administering flu shots to more than 4,800 students during the fall, University Health Services has recently confirmed several cases of influenza among students.

That’s likely just the beginning, and UHS is advising students who contract the flu to take precaution.

Influenza is a brief, but often severe and highly contagious respiratory infection. Symptoms typically appear 24-72 hours after exposure and are characterized by a quick onset of high fever, chills, headache, fatigue, cough and sometimes a sore throat. Uncomplicated influenza generally resolves itself within a week. Treatment should include rest, acetaminophen (for fever) and plenty of fluids.

UHS recommends that ill students stay at home, both for personal and public health reasons. Students who need medical care should be referred to University Health Services at 265-5600. However, UHS does not provide medical excuses for absences due to illness; by campus policy, individual instructors are responsible for determining absence and make-up policies for ill students.

For more information on the flu and treatments, visit the UHS Web site.

Visit the Why Files Web site to learn more about the science behind influenza. The Why Files is a science-behind-the-news Web site produced on campus.