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h1n1 questions & answers

 

who should receive the h1n1 flu vaccine?

The 2009 H1N1 flu vaccine will be available fall 2009.  Certain groups at risk for higher complications from this flu are recommended to get the 2009 H1N1 flu vaccine when it first becomes available. These groups include:

  • Pregnant women
  • People who live and care for children younger than 6 months of age
  • Healthcare and emergency service personnel
  • People between the ages of 6 months and 24 years of age (this includes most students attending institutions of higher education)
  • People 25-64 years of age who have chronic health conditions (such as asthma, heart diease or diabetes) or compromised immunse systems

 

what are the symptoms of seasonal flu and the 2009 H1N1 flu?

Symptoms of the flu include fever or chills and cough or sore throat.  In additions, symptoms of the flu can include runny nose, body aches, headaches, tiredness, diarrhea, or vomiting.

 

how do you know if someone has the 2009 H1N1 flu or seasonal flu?

It will be very hard to tell if someone who is sick has 2009 H1N1 flu or the seasonal flu. Public health authorities and medical professionals will not be recommending laboratory tests. Anyone who has the symptoms of flu-like illness should stay home and not got to school or work.

 

what are the steps Students, Faculty, and Staff can take to prevent the spread of the flu?

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends 4 ways you may keep from getting sick with the flu:

  1. Practice good hand hygiene by washing your hands often with soap and water, especially after coughing or sneezing.  Alcohol-based hand cleaners are also effective.
  2. Cover your mouth & nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. If you don't have a tissue, cough or sneeze into your elbow or shoulder; not into your hands.
  3. Stay home, or at your place of residence if you are sick for at least 24 hours after you no longer have a fever (100 degrees Fahrenheit) or signs of a fever, (chills, feel very warm have a flushed appearance, or are sweating).  This should be determined without the use of fever-reducing medications.  Staying away from others while sick can prevent others from getting sick.  Ask a roommate or family member to check in on you and to bring you food and supplies if needed
  4. Talk to you health care provider to find out if you should be vaccinated for seasonal flu and/or 2009 H1N1 flu.  Information about the 2009 H1N1 flu vaccine and be found at www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/vaccination

 

what can you do to prevent the spread of the flu?

  • Stay home or at your place of residence if you are sick
  • Cover your mouth & nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing
  • Wash your hands often with soap and water
  • Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth
  • Stay in a separte room and avoid contact with others if you are sick
  • Drink plenty of clear fluids
  • Contact your healthcare provider or student health services if yo uare at higher risk for complications from flu for treatment