RAM |
ISSUE 05
Contagious Diseases on Campus Flu (Influenza) Influenza is a viral illness that is most common in the winter months. It takes longer to recover from and is much more severe that a “common cold” virus. The flu is spread through respiratory droplets caught from a person with the virus. A person can pass it on by talking, coughing, or sneezing. It can also be picked up by contact with a surface with droplets on it however it only survives for a short time outside of the body.
Measles Measles is a highly contagious virus; it is one of the most infectious diseases in humans. It’s spread through aerosolised respiratory droplets caught from a person with the virus or direct contact with an infectious person’s nose or throat secretions. It can survive for up to 2 hours outside of the body!
COVID-19 COVID-19 is a viral illness caused by a type of coronavirus. Coronaviruses usually cause common colds and mild illness. The COVID-19 virus is a new strain not seen before in humans. COVID-19 is primarily spread from person to person by aerosols of droplets from the respiratory tract. These can be spread by coughing, sneezing and talking.
Common symptoms include:
Common symptoms include:
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Fever
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Fever
Common symptoms include:
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Cough
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Cough
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Fever
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Runny nose
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Body aches
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Body aches
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Conjunctivitis
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Tiredness
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Headache
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Sore throat
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No energy
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Runny nose
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Sore throat
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Diarrhoea
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Runny nose
A rash that starts in the hairline and then spreads down the body to the arms and legs. The rash is small red flat spots or small red bumps.
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Loss of smell & taste
Most people fully recover but in some cases it can lead to serious complications. Stay home if you are unwell. This helps reduce the spread of influenza. Drink plenty of fluids, rest and take paracetamol to help with the fevers and body aches. If you become very unwell see your GP or afterhours clinic for help. The best way to stop yourself from getting influenza is to have an annual flu vaccine. Even if the vaccine doesn’t stop you getting influenza it usually stops you from getting very sick with it. Each year the flu vaccine covers the strains of influenza that are most common so it is important to have one each year You can get a free flu vaccine at Lincoln University Student Health if you are a current LU student.
Most people fully recover but in some cases it can lead to serious complications including permanent brain damage. You should contact your GP or afterhours clinic to arrange testing if you think you have measles. The best way to stop yourself from getting measles is with the MMR vaccine. If you have 2 doses of the vaccine you are 99% protected from measles. Most people in NZ receive 2 doses of the MMR vaccine as part of their childhood immunisations. If both of these doses are not recorded in your medical records then you are eligible for 1 or 2 free MMR vaccinations. If you are eligible you can get the MMR vaccine at LU Student Health if you are a current LU student. Book 325 3835 for an appointment or to enquire.
Most people fully recover but in some cases it can lead to serious complications. Stay home if you are unwell. This helps reduce the spread of COVID-19 in the community. Drink plenty of fluids, rest and take paracetamol to help with the fevers and body aches. Contact your GP or afterhours to arrange for a COVID-19 test if you do not have one at home. If you do have access to a RAT test then complete this and upload your results on the Ministry of Health website. The only way to stop yourself from getting COVID-19 is with a vaccination. Even if the vaccine doesn’t stop you getting COVID-19 it usually stops you from getting very sick with it. You can book a free COVID-19 vaccine online at www.covid19.govt.nz
Book 325 3835 for an appointment. 23
