Dominic Brown
Photo & Social Media Editor
2018 has already started out being the most widespread flu season in the last 13 years. Butler’s Health services has already observed multiple outbreaks among the El Dorado campus.
“It’s not secluded to one area of campus,” Michael Rausch, a doctor at Susan B. Allen Hospital, said. “It’s not just among athletes or the Headliners or theater–it’s all over campus.”
The flu season, while unpredictable and varying in different parts of the country and season to season, can typically see spikes during the months of October and November and can continue throughout May. The flu is most active between the months of December and February. This season, Kansas is the nation’s top state with 6.5 percent of the population experiencing flu like symptoms.
There are four types of influenza species: A, B, C and D. Normally, flu season is brought about by types A and B.
“This season we are seeing the A and the B strain,” Rausch said. “It is uncommon that we are seeing both strain. Usually it is one or the other.”
The flu is a viral respiratory illness, and common symptoms of the flu include fever, aches, coughing, headaches and runny noses. It is also important to note that the flu is incredibly contagious through contact and since it is a respiratory illness, airborne.
“Being in the same room as somebody infected is enough to contract the flu,” Rausch said.
While treatment is available, it is only effective within the first 48 hours of contracting the virus. After that, if the infected does not receive treatment, they will have to weather the symptoms until their body can adjust. Post-treatment can expect symptoms for three to five days. If treatment is not received within the first two days, it can last eight to nine days at most.
“The vaccine does in fact help,” Rausch said. “I urge anyone to get one if you haven’t already.”
Most hospitals offer vaccines, which are effective at preventing this season’s flu with four months remaining. However, Health Services offers a $10 treatment, which is significantly cheaper than a hospital’s.
Students can contact Health Services by phone, (316) 322-3371)For more information, visit the 1100 building, building just north of the basketball courts.