Novel H1N1 viral
infection causes symptoms including fever or chills and
cough or sore throat. Symptoms may include a runny
nose, body aches, headache, tiredness, and diarrhea or
vomiting.
How to
stay healthy and avoid the flu
Take care of your
health this fall. Eat nutritious foods and
sleep 7-8 hours per night.
Wash your hands
often or use an alcohol-based hand cleaner.
Use tissues and
dispose of them properly. If you don't have a
tissue, cough into your arm, not your hands.
Avoid touching
your eyes, nose and mouth because this can spread
germs.
Be
prepared with a flu kit
Put together a Flu
Kit now - before you get sick. Items that are
helpful: thermometer, fever-reducing medication
(acetaminophen, ibuprofen, or aspirin), alcohol-based
hand sanitizer, tissues and an assortment of clear
fluids that you like (water, broth, sports drink, etc).
Keep these supplies in your home so that you do not need
to go out when you are sick.
Get (and
be) a Flu Buddy
Flu buddies are
friends or family who agree to bring each other needed
items and stay in touch during an illness. You
should wear a general purpose mask to protect others
from any infection you might exhale. Having a flue
buddy alleviates the stress of going out to get food,
medications, and missed class assignments. A flu
buddy also reduces the number of people in close contact
with a sick person and decreases the spread of H1N1 flu
virus. Pregnant women and people with health
conditions as asthma, diabetes, heart disease or
emphysema should not be flu buddies.
What
about vaccines?
Get your seasonal flu
vaccine as soon as it is available, especially if you
have any other health conditions. Vaccines are
available at local pharmacies and will be available on
campus mid October for $24.00. The H1N1 vaccine
will be distributed from your local county health
departments. Stay tuned for more information.
Practice
self-isolation
If you have a fever
above 100 degrees Fahrenheit, isolate yourself.
Stay off campus
and go home.
Self-isolate
yourself in your bedroom.
Do not go to
class, work, dining facilities or other public
places.
Call your Flu
Buddy (see above)
Practice
self-isolation for at least 24 hours after you no
longer have a fever.
Who needs
extra attention?
Most cases of H1N1
are mild. However, if you are pregnant, or have a
chronic condition that lower your immune system, consult
your health care provider. Some individuals may
develop serious problems. Consult your health care
provider if you have flu-like symptoms that improve but
then return with fever and worse cough. Other
warnings signs include difficulty breathing or shortness
of breath, pain or pressure in the chest or abdomen,
confusion or persistent vomiting.
Stay
informed - Remember, your health is a critical factor in
your academic, social and professional success.
