Lafene Health center saw a staggering 77 positive influenza cases last week, with Lafene medical director Dr. Michael Campbell saying flu season is in “full swing.”

The flu is a respiratory illness which can cause mild to severe illness and sometimes death. This contagious illness is caused by the influenza virus — infecting the throat, nose and at times the lungs.

Campbell said Kansas State is seeing one of the “worst influenza years in the last 20 to 25 years.”

“Right now we are seeing a lot of respiratory illnesses, especially influenza,” Campbell said. “Most of the patients with respiratory symptoms who are feeling pretty sick have influenza, which is different from a cold. … There’s also seasonal Coronavirus and we’re also seeing some Covid-19. Influenza … is the biggest thing we are seeing right now.” 

Campbell said students need to look out for symptoms such as high fever, body aches and headaches.

“It honestly feels like a truck ran you over,” Campbell said.

Stephanie LaMar, an advanced practice registered nurse at Lafene, said it’s important to see a doctor within at least two days of shown symptoms.

“So first, we’re seeing lots of students who are not getting the flu vaccine,” Lamar said. “There’s some nausea and vomiting, but not as much, but pretty high fevers, like 103 [degrees], pretty consistently — at least three to four days … We can give tamiflu, which is an antiviral medication, that brings down the overall viral load, meaning your symptoms may be less severe or you may get better a little bit faster, but it has to be given within the first 48 hours of symptom onset or else it’s not really effective.”  

Salem Ponnureu, sophomore in psychology and social work, said he showed respiratory illness symptoms since last Wednesday, but didn’t test positive for the flu or seasonal covid. 

“I went to [Lafene] last Friday … and they checked for Covid and flu, and I didn’t have either of those,” Ponnureu said. “I went back on Monday because they said to come back if it got worse, and still negative for flu and covid, but I did get started on steroids — like a five day thing of steroids — just to help, and I also got an inhaler.”  

Those who are experiencing any symptoms of illness are encouraged to go to Lafene Health Center to receive treatment.

“It’s really important to get help as soon as possible and get a test done,” LaMar said. “Staying home and making sure you are fever free for at least 24 hours before going back to class or work is really important to stop the spread as well.”