H1N1 Information

H1N1 influenza (swine flu) is a new influenza virus causing illness around the world. Spread of H1N1 virus is thought to occur in the same way that seasonal flu spreads from person to person, mainly through coughing and sneezing by people infected with the flu. Sometimes people may become infected by touching something-such as a table or computer keyboard-with flu virus on it and then touching their mouth, nose or eyes.

PROTECTION AND PREVENTION

Wash your hands, often and well, with soap and warm water for 15 to 20 seconds.
Use alcohol-based hand sanitizer gel or wipes when there is no water.
Cover your coughs and sneezes, then throw the tissue away and wash or sanitize your hands.
Alternately, cough into your elbow or shoulder. This keeps the viruses off your hands.
Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth.
Eat well, stay hydrated, rest, exercise and follow good-health guidelines.

NOT FEELING WELL?

If you discover you are not feeling well (feverish, achy, headache, cough, sore throat, etc.), follow these steps:

Check your temperature with a thermometer (RAs have them available) If your temperature is above 100.4, DO NOT GO TO CLASS.
Contact Health Services and explain your symptoms (fever, headache, chills, body aches, fatigue, dry cough, sore throat, stuffy nose, occasionally nausea or diarrhea)
Email all your professors and tell them you will be out
Visit with Health Services, your physician, or other health care provider

TREATMENT

If diagnosed with an Influenza Like Illness (ILI), which could be H1N1:

Self isolate (stay home if you commute or in your room if you live on campus)
Treat fever with a fever-reducing medication, use cough drops for throat and cough, and increase fluid intake, avoid alcohol and don't smoke. A humidifier is also helpful.
Check temperature every 6-8 hours and if it exceeds 104, seek medical attention immediately
Get rest and do not return to normal activity until fever free for 24 hours without the aid of a fever-reducing medication
Do what you can to stay up to date in your classes and communicate with

WHEN TO SEEK EMERGENCY MEDICAL CARE

Get medical care right away if the sick person:

Has difficulty breathing or chest pain
Has purple or blue discoloration of the lips
Is vomiting and unable to keep liquids down
Has signs of dehydration such as dizziness when standing, absence of urination
Has seizures (for example, uncontrolled convulsions)
Is less responsive than normal or becomes confused

H1N1 Updates