Influenza Health Safety Measures

Influenza can be spread from person to person. Therefore, it is necessary to take adequate measures to prevent the spread of infection. In addition, those with pre-existing medical conditions (see notes), pregnant women, infants, and the elderly need to be careful as they may become seriously ill.

Notes: medical conditions that require special care

  • Chronic respiratory diseases (asthma, etc.)
  • Chronic heart disease
  • Diabetes
  • Persons undergoing artificial dialysis
  • Compromised immune system
  • Persons taking corticosteroids (steroids)

Typical Symptoms of Influenza

Fever of 38°C or higher, cough, sore throat, general malaise

Infection Route

The main routes of infection are droplet infection and contact infection. Droplet infection occurs when a healthy person inhales the virus released by an infected person’s cough, sneeze, or sputum.

In the case of contact infection, the virus may adhere to other objects (doorknobs, etc.) when the infected person touches them after coughing or wiping their runny nose with their hands. If a healthy person touches the attached virus and then touches the eyes, nose, or mouth, the virus can be transmitted through the mucous membrane or conjunctiva.

If Symptoms Appear

If the symptoms are mild, it is not necessary to seek medical attention. However, you should seek medical attention in the following cases

  1. You have pre-existing medical conditions (see above)
  2. Those with symptoms suggestive of serious illness (persistent high fever, difficulty breathing, coughing, etc.)

Caution in using fever reducers

If you use a fever reducing medicating, it is recommended that you use acetaminophen.

Shelf brand names: Norshin, SEDES, NARON

Do not use aspirin-containing drugs. (Buffarin, etc.)

※Taking aspirin during the flu can lead to complications such as brain damage.

If you are diagnozed with influenza

Under the direction of a physician, please stay at home until the fifth day after the symptoms begin or until the second day after the fever subsides, in order to prevent the infection from spreading to others.

Mandatory Absence

Influenza is a Type 2 contagious disease, so students will not be allowed to attend school until 5 days have passed since the onset of illness and 2 days have passed since the fever has broken.

If you may be infected

You may be infected if

  • You spent a long time with a person infected with influenza in an enclosed space, such as a classroom.
  • A person living with you has been diagnosed with influenza or is showing symptoms of the flu.
  • You had a conversation with a person infected with influenza within a distance of 2 meters for more than 10 minutes.

If you may be infected, please observe the following

  • Wear a mask to prevent infection to others
  • Avoid going out and contact with people
  • Wash your hands and gargle frequently
  • Keep an eye on your symptoms by measuring your temperature
  • If symptoms appear, monitor them at home, and if they worsen, contact a medical professional

To prevent influenza

  • Get vaccinated. Vaccinations are effective for one year. Get vaccinated every year!
  • Gargle and wash hands (alcohol-based sanitizers are effective and available at the university)
  • Wear a mask (non-woven masks are recommended)
  • Well-balanced diet
  • Adequate sleep and rest