By: Marie Jen Galilo, Sports and Science Editor
The spread of the flu starts subtle at first, but it doesn’t take long before you’re followed by an inescapable, haunting chorus of coughs throughout the entire campus.
The fall semester is the busiest semester at SFU. Students returning to campus are joined by new students starting their academic journeys. There’s a lot to look forward to in the fall — the atmosphere feels cozy, the warm-coloured leaves turn crisp, and there are many holidays and celebrations. It’s also when many people contract the flu. While the flu circulates year–round, fall and winter create favourable conditions that increase the likelihood of catching it. The spread of the flu starts subtle at first, but it doesn’t take long before you’re followed by an inescapable, haunting chorus of coughs throughout the entire campus.
The seasonal flu is a respiratory illness caused by strains of the influenza virus, specifically influenza A and B. It’s difficult to distinguish between influenza A and B because both strains share similar symptoms, including: headaches, fever, sore throat, dry cough, runny nose, and muscle aches. The main difference between influenza A and B is that influenza A infects birds and mammals (yes, that includes us humans), while influenza B can only infect humans. Influenza A is also more common than B and causes more flu outbreaks. Whether one contracts Influenza A or B, the treatment plan is generally the same.
Infected individuals exhibit symptoms one to four days after exposure to influenza, and are most contagious on the first three days after symptoms appear. The Public Health Agency of Canada advises infected individuals to “avoid close contact with others for at least three days” during this infectious stage. One common way through which influenza spreads is by inhaling or touching infectious droplets released by an infected person when they cough or sneeze.
Fall and winter create the perfect conditions for the efficient transmission of influenza. Viruses, including influenza, require a host to reproduce and survive. Influenza is surrounded by a lipid layer that hardens in the cold, allowing the virus to survive for longer without a host. The lipid bilayer protects the genetic material of the virus and allows it to enter the host cell. During fall semesters, students spend more time indoors in crowded lecture halls, dorms, and social gatherings. Immune systems may also weaken during the fall and winter because of reduced exposure to sunlight, which our bodies use to produce vitamin D — a molecule that supports immune systems and can lower the risk of respiratory tract infections.
The best way to protect yourself from the flu is to get vaccinated. SFU’s Health and Counselling Services provide influenza vaccinations which are covered by the Medical Services Plan. Other personal protective measures include wearing a mask if you have the flu to avoid infecting others, “washing your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds,” and keeping your hands away from “your eyes, nose, or mouth,” the common modes of entry for influenza, according to the Public Health Agency of Canada.
If you get infected with the flu, the best way to recover is to rest, drink plenty of fluids, and take over-the-counter medications for fever and muscle aches. If you’re experiencing severe symptoms, such as difficulty breathing, headaches, and confusion, you’re advised to call 9-1-1 and seek medical assistance. Age and health conditions also make certain groups more vulnerable to developing flu complications, including young children, adults older than 65, and people living with chronic illnesses.
To learn more about seasonal influenza, please visit the Public Health Agency of Canada and HealthLink BC websites.
