Flu Symptoms Checklist and FAQ for Colleges

The Center for Health and Wellness (CHW) encourages all members of the Emerson community (except for those individuals advised otherwise by their medical provider) to get a flu shot before returning to campus from winter break.

• Immunizations
• Flu Symptoms Checklist
• Flu FAQ

Immunizations

The City of Boston declared a Public Health Flu Alert on January 9, 2013. Current influenza (flu) activity is greater than predicted this flu season. For students unable to obtain immunization before returning to campus, and for students, faculty and staff residing in Boston, there are several options available.

Off-Campus

• City of Boston – free flu clinics Saturday, January 12 and Sunday, January 13
• CVS Immunization clinics

CVS locations close to campus - call regarding availability of vaccine at each site.

On-Campus

Get your flu shot at the CHW! All undergraduate students, plus graduate students enrolled in Aetna Student Health Insurance or who have paid the health fee, are eligible. Vaccine is available while supplies lasts; it costs $25. Clinics will be held at the following times:

• Monday, January 14, 10:00 am–12:00 pm and 1:00–4:00 pm
• Tuesday, January 15, 10:00 am–12:00 pm and 1:00–4:00 pm

Beginning Thursday, January 17, drop-in immunization clinics are held every Tuesday and Thursday from 10:30–11:30 am.  Immunizations are also available during the evening immunization clinic dates listed on eCampus. 

Emerson College and the CHW are committed to providing students, parents, and the Emerson community with updated information as the flu season progresses. We strive to minimize the risk of infection on campus by following the guidelines for colleges and universities promoted by the Center for Disease Control (CDC), Massachusetts Department of Public Health (MDPH), and the Boston Public Health Commission (BPHC). We encourage you to practice healthy habits and we seek your partnership in combating this public health threat. Your health and wellness determines the health and wellness of the Emerson community.

The Flu FAQs were developed based on documents and guidance provided by the CDC, MDPH and BPCH, as well as Emerson policy and procedure.  We think you will find them helpful. Please contact the CHW with any additional questions.

Flu Symptoms Checklist

The symptoms of influenza (flu) include fever, cough, sore throat, and sometimes body aches, headache, chills, and feeling tired. Some people also have diarrhea and vomiting. The most important thing you can do to keep flu from spreading in your campus community is to stay home if you are sick.

Use the following checklist to help decide if you may have the flu:

• Do you have a cough?
• Do you have a sore throat?
• Do you have a headache, body aches, or chills?
• Do you have vomiting or diarrhea?
• Do you have a fever of 100° F or more?

Should I stay home?

If you said "yes" to a fever of 100° F or more AND a cough or sore throat, you have an influenza-like illness. Stay home for four days after symptoms start or 24 hours after fever has resolved, without the use of fever reducing medication, whichever is longer.

If you checked “yes” to only one of the questions above, or if you are ill with other symptoms, stay at home at least one day to observe for other symptoms. If other symptoms develop, use the checklist questions again to decide whether to continue to stay home.

When should I go to the doctor?

Call your doctor if you have:

• any questions or concerns about your symptoms
• a chronic disease such as asthma and develop any symptoms listed in the checklist
• if you have trouble breathing, or pain or pressure in the chest or belly
• sudden dizziness
• confusion
• severe or persistent vomiting
• a fever that returns a few days after going away

For more information about caring for people with flu-like illness at home, see the Boston Public Health Commission's flu website. (Information on this page adapted from the BPHC.)