Relenza offers flu virus relief to students
By ALEXANDRA TIEU
Cold and flu season is in full effect once again. The results are evident across campus as classes are filled with students and professors coughing and sneezing.
"From what I've seen this year, there are more flu cases on campus than that of colds," Campus Physician Lauren A. Salaices said.
The flu virus can now be treated with a new drug called Relenza, which is available this year in the health center. Relenza promises to kill the flu virus, influenza, if taken within 48 hours after the first sign of symptoms. Generally, symptoms of the flu include fever, fatigue, muscle ache, joint pain, loss of appetite, headache and cough. The cold yields milder symptoms such as coughing and stuffy nose.
According to Salaices, Relenza is only effective on the flu and not colds.
"There are three cold viruses this year that have a lot of the same symptoms as the flu, which makes accurate diagnosis of the flu difficult," Salaices said.
In order to make diagnosis more accurate, the health center has ordered tests that will determine a person's condition. These tests are now available.
Relenza is inhaled, rather than taken in pill form, and should be taken twice a day. In addition, the side effects include sinusitis, nausea and diarrhea in three percent or less of patients, according to the makers of the drug.
Recently, after taking Relenza, senior Hillary Hartman recovered from a temperature of 103 in just three days.
"I would recommend Relenza to everyone," Hartman said.
Students who are suffering from colds can pick up medicine packages that are being distributed for free at the Cowell Health Center. The packages include ibuprofen, decongestants, zinc lozenges, cough drops and cough syrup.
"Zinc lozenges and echinacea may actually contain antiviral properties that may shorten the severity of the cold," Salaices said.
In addition to typical medication such as Sudafed and Robitussin, students should also get lots of rest, drink plenty of fluids and gargle with salt water in order to alleviate cold symptoms. The most effective way to safeguard against diseases is to wash your hands frequently, and avoid contact between your hands and your face. Cold and flu viruses enter your body through the mouth, nose or eyes from germs that have been picked up on the hands, according to Salaices.