H1N1 Information

What are the symptoms of swine flu?

H1N1, or swine flu, is a respiratory disease of pigs caused by a Type A influenza virus that regularly causes outbreaks of influenza among pigs. Swine flu does not normally infect humans; however, human infections with swine flu do occur. Public health officials have determined that this strain of swine flu virus spreads from human to human and can cause illness. Cases of swine flu have been confirmed in all regions of the United States and Canada.

Symptoms of swine flu in people are similar to the symptoms of seasonal flu and may include:

• Fever (greater than 100°F or 37.8°C)
• Sore throat
• Cough
• Stuffy nose
• Chills
• Headache and body aches
• Fatigue

Some people have reported diarrhea and vomiting associated with swine flu. Severe illness (pneumonia and respiratory failure) and deaths have been reported with swine flu infection in people. Like seasonal flu, swine flu may cause a worsening of underlying chronic medical conditions.

Want more info?

www.flu.gov
1-800-CDC-INFO (232-4636)
www.facebook.com/CDC

Twitter:

• CDCemergency
• BirdFluGov
• CDCFlu

What should I do if I have swine flu?

The CDC recommends that students with flu-like symptoms stay at home (or with a friend or family member) until at least 24 hours after free of fever (without use of fever-reducing medicines).  Ask a friend to bring you food and other supplies so that you will not have to go out into public while you are sick.

While at home, cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Dispose of used tissues in a trash can. Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after sneezing or coughing.  Make sure that shared areas of the apartment are kept clean, including doorknobs, refrigerator handles, remote controls, countertops, faucet handles and bathroom areas. Drink plenty of clear liquid so that you do not become dehydrated.

If you do need to leave your room or apartment, consider using a facemask to prevent the spread of germs.

Make sure that you communicate via email or phone with your professors if you do become ill.  Discuss with them upcoming projects and class meetings that you anticipate you’ll miss.

How can I prevent getting swine flu?

The CDC recommends the following precautionary measures to help prevent the spread of germs that cause influenza:

• Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue each time you cough or sneeze. If a tissue isn’t available, cough or sneeze into your elbow or shoulder instead of your hand.
•  Dispose of used tissues into a trash can.
• Wash hands often with soap and water. Use alcohol-based hand cleaners if soap and water isn’t available.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth.
• Stay hydrated, eat balanced meals and exercise in order to maintain a healthy immune system.
• Keep shared spaces clean.  Establish a cleaning schedule with your roommates that includes doorknobs, countertops, sink faucets and refrigerator handles.
• Talk to your health care professional about getting a “flu shot”, especially if you have a higher risk of complications from flu.

What if one of my roommates gets swine flu?

If one of your roommates becomes ill with flu-like symptoms, taking basic precautionary measures can prevent the spread of the influenza virus.

Make sure that all shared spaces (living rooms, kitchens, bathrooms) are kept clean. Pay special attention to all handles and faucets. According to the Mayo Clinic (mayoclinic.com), flu viruses can live on surfaces for as long as 48 hours, so frequent cleaning is important.

Wash your hands frequently using soap and water. Special anti-bacterial soap isn’t necessary; regular soap will just as effectively clean your hands. Most of us don’t wash our hands correctly—do you?  The Mayo Clinic provides guidelines at this website: mayoclinic.com/health/hand-washing/hq00407

Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth.

Linens, eating utensils and dishes that the sick roommate uses do not need to be cleaned separately but must be cleaned before used again.

Avoid close contact with your sick roommate. The CDC defines “close contact” as within six feet. If possible, the sick roommate should stay isolated in their room as long as they have a fever. You should also limit visitors to your apartment.

If your sick roommate has any of these symptoms, immediately contact 911:

• Difficulty breathing or chest pain
• Purple or blue discoloration of the lips
• Vomiting and unable to keep liquids down
• Signs of dehydration such as dizziness when standing, absence of urination
• Seizures
• Less responsive than normal or becomes confused.

To help your roommate recuperate, volunteer to pick up some food and supplies for them so that they will not have to go out in public.