Important information regarding
H1N1 Influenza at Texas A&M University
Cases of H1N1 influenza have been declining in recent months; however, there still is a risk for a third wave of infection as we enter the winter months. The US department of Health and Human Services urges college students to be vaccinated to reduce the risk of infection. Additionally, January and February are months when we see an increase in seasonal flu. It is not too late to get the seasonal flu vaccine. The H1N1 vaccine and the seasonal flu vaccine can be given at the same time in most cases.
Most of the influenza cases (including H1N1) continue to be mild and most individuals are recovering quickly (less than 7 days) and completely without any medical treatment.
What should I do if I have a flu-like illness?
STAY HOME -(self
isolate) do not attend class or work for 24 hours after you have no
fever without taking fever reducing medications. If your permanent home
is close to College Station, you may want to consider returning home
during your recovery. We do not recommend that you drive yourself when
you are ill and do not use public transportation.
Rest and drink plenty of fluids.
Use acetaminophen or ibuprofen for fever and body aches.Use over the
counter cold or flu remedies for symptom relief-be sure to check the
labels to insure you are not duplicating medications.
Contact the health center or another healthcare provider if you are
at high risk for complications of the flu (pregnant, asthma or other
chronic illness) or if you develop chest pain, shortness of breath or
feel your symptoms are worsening despite doing all of the things listed
above.
Symptoms
Symptoms of
H1N1 Influenza are similar to those of the seasonal flu. They include:
-
a sudden, high fever
-
cough
-
sore throat
People who have H1N1 Influenza may also
have body aches, fatigue, nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea. H1N1 influenza,
like seasonal flu, is responsive to prescription anti-viral medication,
especially if started within 48 hours of onset of flu symptoms. The CDC
has published guidelines for the use of anti-viral medications. Most
healthy individuals will not require medical treatment.
To prevent the spread of flu
-
Stay home if you are sick - (self
isolate) do not go to class or work until you have been without
fever for 24 hours without using fever reducing medications
(acetaminophen, ibuprofen).
-
Cover your cough; throw away used
tissues.
-
Wash your hands frequently or use
alcohol based hand sanitizers.
-
Wipe down frequently used areas
(doorknobs, community phones, counter tops) with disinfecting wipes.
Explanatory Statement for Absence from Class for Influenza-like Illness
Texas A&M has established a special form students can use for
self-reported absence from class. If you miss classes related to
influenza, please use the
Explanatory Statement for Absence from Class for Influenza-like Illness.
Submission of the form does not guarantee an excused absence. For more
information, see Student
Rule 7.
Further Resources
Info for TAMU Residence Hall Students
Center
for Disease Control (CDC)
Texas Department of State Health Services
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Please continue to check this page for
updates or call (979) 458-8300 with
questions.
Updated Jan 29, 2010
Additional information on avian and other pandemic
influenza
