Search
Southern Home PageAbout Southern Connecticut State UniversityAcademicsAdmissionsStudent LifeResearchAthleticsHuman Resources at Southern
photo bar
Southern Connecticut State University LibraryMySCSUSouthern DirectoryCalendar of EventsTechnologyContact Us
Department Banner

10 things to know about h1n1 flu

 

1. No cause of Panic

So far H1N1 flu is not more threatening than the regular flu.  During the few months of this new flu's existence, hospitalizations and deaths from it seem to be lower than average seen for the seasonal flu, and the virus has not dramatically mutated.

 

2. Virus tougher on some

H1N1 flu is more of a threat to certain groups - children under 2, pregnant women, people with health problems like asthma, diabetes and heart disease.  Teenagers and young adults are also more vunerable to H1N1 flu.

Ordinary, seasonal flu hits older people the hardest, but not H1N1.  Scientists think older people may have some immunity from exposure years earlier to viruses similar to H1N1 flu

 

3. Wash your hands often and long!

Like seasonal flu, H1N1 flu spreads coughs and sneezes of people who are sick.  Emphasie to children that they should wash with soap and water long enough to finish singing the alphabet song... "Now I know my ABC's".  Also use alcohol-based hand sanitizers.

 

4.Get vaccinated

These groups should be first in line for H1N1 flu shots, especially if vaccine supplies are limited - people 6 months to 24 years old, pregnant women, health care workers.  Also a priority: Parents and caregivers of infants, people with those high-risk medical conditions previously noted.

 

5. Get your shots early

Millions of H1N1 flu shots should be available by late October, early November.  If you are in one of the priority groups, try to get your shot as early as possible.  Check with your doctor or local or state health department about where to do this.  Many children should be able to get vaccinated at school. 

 

6. Immunity takes awhile

Even those first in line for shots won't have immunity until around Thanksgiving.  That is because it is likely to take two shots, given three weeks apart, to provide protection.  And it takes a week or two after the last shot for the vaccine to take full effect.

The regular seasonal flu should be widely available in October.  People over 50 are urged to be among the first to get that shot.

 

7.Vaccines are available

The vaccine is out! Be sure to contact your Healthcare Provider or your local Health Department to find out more. 

 

8. Help! Surrounded by H1N1 Flu

If an outbreak of H1N1 flu hits your area before your vaccinated, be extra cautious.  Stay away from public gathering places like malls, sporting events, and churches.  Try to keep your distance from people in general.  Keep washing those hands and keep your hands away from your eyes, nose and mouth.

 

9. What if you get sick?

If you have other health problems or are pregnant and develop flu-like symptoms, call your Healthcare provider right away.  You may be prescriber Tamiflu or Relenza.  These drugs can reduce the severity of H1N1 flue if take right after symptoms start.

If you develop breathing problems, pain in your chest, constant vomiting, or a fever that keeps rising, go to an emergency room. 

Most people, though, should just stay home and rest. Stay home for at least 24 hours after your fever breaks.  Fluids and pain relievers like Tylenol can help with achiness and fever.

 

10. How can I learn more?

  • Ask your provider.  they can give you the vaccine package insert or suggest other sources of information
  • Call your local or state health department
  • Contact the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC).  Call 1-800-CSC-INFO or visit the CDC's website at www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu or www.cdc.gov/flu