H1N1 Flu Information
What you need to know about this year's FLU season!!!
Student Health & Wellness Center
STUDENT FLU HOTLINE 541-552-7000
Why is the FLU SO Important this Year?
In addition to regular seasonal flu, there is a NOVEL (new) type of Flu going around called H1N1, also known as swine flu.
Because it is new:
- It is spreading faster and wider than usual flu, and not following the usual 'cold and flu' season timing. Because it is a new flu, the majority of people do not have immunity to it. Each person who gets the flu can spread it to many people very quickly without knowing it.
- It is causing a higher complication rate in those younger (6 months to 60 years) , in pregnant women and in persons with other pre-existing medical conditions such as asthma/lung conditions, diabetes pregnancy, asthma, diabetes, suppressed immune systems, heart disease, kidney
- The more it spreads, the more hospitalizations and deaths we will see during this season.
For these reasons, health authorities are recommending that we try very hard not to spread H1N1.
Colleges and Universities are known as great breeding grounds for colds and flu, because there are so many people eating, studying, sleeping and congregating within a concentrated area. There are already outbreaks on many college campuses.
How do I prevent getting the Flu?
The flu spreads by tiny droplets that are released when someone coughs or sneezes. The virus can live on a surface for up to 8 hours.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth. Germs spread this way.
- Wash hands often with soap and water, especially after coughing or sneezing, and before eating, drinking, or touching your face. Alcohol-based hand sanitizers are also effective.
- Stay away from people who you know are sick. Six (6) feet seems to be the minimum distance. This means being very careful when in public restrooms, cafeterias, classrooms, meetings, athletic events, computer facilities, the library, etc.
- Consider getting the Flu vaccine.
- Regular seasonal flu vaccine is available at the Student Health and Wellness Center (SHWC) starting the week of new student orientation.
- The SHWC will have a regular walk-in vaccine clinic every Friday 12:00 - 4:00 through October 30, 2009.
- H1N1 Vaccine will be available at the SHWC starting in mid-October.
- Get a Flu-Kit. A flu kit contains a thermometer, surgical mask, tissues, fever-reducing medications, Emergen-C to help prevent dehydration, and instructions.
What do I do if I'm sick?
- Know the signs and symptoms of flu. Symptoms of flu include fever or chills and cough or sore throat. In addition, symptoms of flu can include runny nose, body aches, headache, tiredness, diarrhea, or vomiting.
- Always cover your cough with a tissue, your sleeve or your elbow. This prevents the spread of all colds and flu.
- Stay home if you are sick for at least 24 hours after there is no longer a fever (100 degrees Fahrenheit or 38 degrees Celsius) or signs of a fever (have chills, feel very warm, have a flushed appearance, or are sweating) . This should be determined without the use of fever-reducing medications (any medicine that contains ibuprofen or acetaminophen). Staying away from others while sick can prevent others from getting sick too.
- If you are a resident of Student Housing and have a roommate, you may want to talk to your RA about whether there is a separate room that you can be in while you are sick. If your family home is not too far away, you may want to consider staying there until you are better.
- Use the Flu-Buddy system. Arrange with a friend or roommate BEFOREHAND to be your Flu-Buddy. The Flu-Buddy's job is to check up on you and to bring you food and supplies if needed.
- If someone is around you, or if you must leave your room, wear a surgical mask to prevent spreading the flu.
- Drink plenty of clear fluids (such as water, broth, sports drinks, and electrolyte beverages for infants) to keep you from becoming dehydrated. Ibuprofen or Tylenol (NOT aspirin) can help with fever, sore throat and body aches. Throat lozenges and salt water gargles can help with sore throats. Decongestants or cough medicines or medicinal teas may also be helpful.
- Contact the SHWC or your health care provider if you are at higher risk for complications from flu for treatment. People at higher risk for flu complications include children under the age of 5 years, pregnant women, people of any age who have chronic medical conditions, (such as asthma, diabetes, heart or neuromuscular disease) and people 65 years of age and older.
- Call the SHWC FLU HOTLINE at 541-552-7000 with questions! Most flu illness in otherwise healthy people is relatively mild, making a person feel miserable for 2-5 days, but not requiring a visit to a medical provider. The hotline has been set up to answer questions and to help you determine whether you need to be seen without having to leave your room. We can also help to get over-the-counter medications and food supplies to if you need them.
- For up-to-date national, state, and local information visit sou.edu/health/flu.
- Contact a healthcare provider, go to SHWC or to the Ashland Community Hospital Emergency Room right away if you are having difficulty breathing or are getting worse.
