Flu Season

Influenza (aka "the flu") is a contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses. Symptoms include fever (usually high), headache, extreme tiredness, dry cough, sore throat, runny/stuffy nose and muscle aches. Gastrointestinal symptoms of nausea, vomiting, diarrhea are more common among children than adults.


The main way the virus spreads is from person to person in respiratory droplets of coughs and sneezes (called 'droplet spread'). This happens when droplets from a cough or sneeze are propelled- up to 3 feet- through the air and are deposited on the mouth or nose of people nearby. Viruses can also spread when a person touches respiratory droplets on another person or object and then touches their own mouth or nose (or someone else's mouth or nose) before washing their hands.


Adults may be contagious one day BEFORE developing symptoms to up to seven days AFTER getting sick. Children can be contagious longer than seven days.

• Get a flu shot
• Avoid close contact with those who are sick. When you are sick keep your distance from others
• Stay home when you are sick
• Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing. It has also been recommended to use a mask to prevent droplet spread
• Wash your hands often
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth

• Rest
• Drink plenty of fluids
• Medications to control fever and relieve symptoms
• Athletes should not exercise with fever >101 degrees

Skaters should not return to their activities while sick to avoid spread of the illness, and if they are not at their full physical ability due to the illness could risk injuring themselves or others.

More information is available from the Center for Disease Control at www.cdc.gov.