H1N1 Virus
Influenza Information
Luther College Health Service offers the following information to help protect you from influenza viruses throughout the school year.
The novel H1N1 influenza is now widespread throughout the world. Fortunately, the vast majority of cases are mild and, at this point, the virus appears no more virulent or severe than most seasonal influenzas. You should take the same precautions that help protect all of us during any seasonal influenza outbreak.
Prevention
Flu viruses are spread from person to person through coughing or sneezing by people with influenza. A person may also become infected by touching a surface or object with flu viruses on it, and then touching his/her mouth or nose. It is important for all faculty, staff, and students to take the following flu/respiratory disease precautions. People with influenza can be contagious as much as one day before they have any symptoms.
- Avoid contact with sick people. If you are sick, keep at least 6 feet between you and others.
- Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it. If no tissue is available, cough or sneeze into your sleeve or elbow.
- Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze. Alcohol-based hand cleaners are also effective.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth. Germs are spread in this manner.
- Do not share food, drink, or utensils.
- Do not share lip balm/chap stick.
- Try to avoid close contact with sick people.
- Frequently clean your living and working quarters. Frequently clean commonly-used surfaces such as doorknobs, refrigerator handles, remote controls, computer keyboards, countertops, faucet handles and bathroom areas.
- Monitor your health by checking your fever with a thermometer.
- If you are sick with a flu-like illness, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) recommends that, except to get medical care, you stay home at least 24 hours after your fever is gone--without use of a fever-reducing medicine. Keep away from others, as much as possible, to keep from infecting them.
What should I do if I get sick?
Influenza symptoms include:
- Fever (100° F [37.8°C]) or greater
- Body aches
- Runny or stuffy nose
- Sore throat
- Nausea, or vomiting or diarrhea
- Cough
- Headache
- Chills
- Fatigue
If you have these symptoms, you should stay home and avoid contact with other people. Avoid normal activities, including work, school, travel, shopping, social events, and public gatherings. In order to prevent the spread of disease, please do not come to class, meet with other groups, attend office hours, or contact offices in person while you are ill.
Treatment and Response
The majority of individuals who contract this virus will not need to seek a doctor's treatment, but we are available to take care of you at the Health Service and will provide the medical care and advice that you need. Please call us at 563-387-1045 if you are unsure whether or not you need to seek medical care.
If you have been in contact with someone who has the flu, onset of the virus can take up to three days. If you experience any flu symptoms within this time period, please stay home to limit the spread of the virus.
Students who are pregnant, or who have a chronic medical condition such as diabetes, cancer, asthma, heart or lung problems, or a weakened immune system, should consult with their physician to see if antiviral medication is needed.
When Health Service is closed, contact Winneshiek Medical Center, which is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week, at 563-382-2911.
Warning Signs and Symptoms
If you become ill and experience any of the following warning signs, seek emergency medical care by calling 911 or going to an emergency treatment center.
- Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
- Pain or pressure in the chest or abdomen
- Sudden dizziness
- Confusion
- Severe or persistent vomiting
- Flu-like symptoms improve but then return with worse fever and cough
Medication and Vaccinations
Generally, antiviral medication is prescribed for individuals with the flu who are either hospitalized, have a chronic medical condition, or have a suppressed immune system. Antiviral medication for influenza is not a cure and only reduces symptoms and decreases length of recovery time by about 24 hours.
The following vaccinations are expected to be available Fall 2009:
- Seasonal influenza vaccine: The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommend that everyone be vaccinated against seasonal influenza. This vaccine will be available at the Health Service. Watch for news on vaccine availability in the near future. Campus flu clinics will be scheduled, and as soon as we receive vaccine, you will be notified by e-mail, website, and other media. Cost of flu vaccine is $20.
- Novel H1N1 influenza vaccine: Recent recommendations from the CDC have placed individuals under age 24 among the top priority groups for receiving the novel H1N1 influenza vaccine. This vaccine is not yet available. More information will be available in the coming months.
Additional Information
- Centers for Disease Control (http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/)
- Iowa Department of Health (http://www.idph.state.ia.us/)
- IDPH - Novel Influenza A (H1N1) Virus (http://www.idph.state.ia.us/h1n1/)
If you have any questions, please contact Health Service at 563-387-1045. If you have been seen by an off-campus provider with symptoms, please contact Luther College Health Service to inform us regarding your condition and recommendations.