Flu Symptom Check List
The main symptoms of influenza (flu) include fever and cough and/or sore throat.
Some people also have a runny nose, body aches, headache, chills, and feel tired.
Rarely, some people may have diarrhea and vomiting. The most important thing that
you can do to keep flu from spreading in the community is to stay away from others
when you are sick.
Use the following check list to help decide if you may have the flu:
���� Yes ���� No Do you have a fever of 100.4 degrees or more?
���� Yes ���� No Do you have a cough?
���� Yes ���� No Do you have a sore throat?
SHOULD I KEEP STAY HOME?
If you checked yes to
fever of 100.4 degrees or more
AND
a cough or a sore throat you have influenza-like
illness and are likely contagious to others.
You should stay home and out of classes for at least 24 hours after your fever
resolves without the use of medications like Tylenol or Ibuprofen.
If you checked “yes” to only one of the questions above, or if you are ill with other
Symptoms stay home at least one day to observe for additional symptoms. If additional
symptoms develop, use the check list questions again to decide whether to continue to
stay home. You may attend classes after you have been fever free for 24 hours.
When should I go to the Health Services or my doctor?
Most people recover without any medical intervention, however some people do
become quite ill and my even require hospitalization. If your symptoms are mild, you
may not need to be seen by a medical provider.
Call Health Services or your doctor or seek medical care if you have trouble breathing,
have behavior changes like increased restlessness, anxiety and irritability, or are not
able to drink enough fluids to stay hydrated. Be alert for skin rashes, dehydration or any
other signs that your illness may be more serious.
If you feel you need to be seen, please contact Health Services for assistance
978.542.6410.
What should I do if I get sick?
The most important thing to do is to keep hydrated by drinking plenty of fluids such as
Gatorade and water. You can take over the counter medications such as Tylenol and
Ibuprofen (Advil) to help lower fevers and help with aches and pains. It is important to
get plenty of rest so your body can recover. You should avoid exercise and sports until
you are fever free and feeling completely better.
The best way to prevent others from getting sick is to stay away from others while you
are contagious. If you live in the residence halls, you should make accommodations to
go home until you feel better. If you are unable to do so, please speak to your Resident
Assistant, as special accommodations may be available for you on campus.
How to I prevent myself from getting sick?
There are several things you can do to prevent the flu. One of the most effective tricks
is to wash your hands frequently with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds.
Alcohol based hand sanitizers can be used as well. Do not share things like cups, lip
stick or chapstick, cigarettes or straws, as these are ways the virus is spread. If you
have to cough or sneeze, practice good etiquette--cover your mouth and cough into
your sleeve. Then wash your hands. Remember to get your Flu shots.
For more information and on-going updates:
Salem State College Health Services
107 Ellison Campus Center
978.542.6410 or 978.542.6413
salemstate.edu/chs
Massachusetts Department of Public Health information line: 211
Massachusetts Department of Public Health influenza Web site:
mass.gov/dph/swineflu
Centers for Disease Control Web site: www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/qa.htm