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H1N1
Influenza
Information
This H1N1 Influenza Information website is maintained by the Department of Student Health Services at Texas A&M University. For comments or more information, please contact the Director of Student Health Services at (979) 458-8300
Additional information on avian and
other pandemic influenza
Important information regarding
H1N1 Influenza at Texas A&M University
Student Health Services has been seeing increased numbers of influenza-like illness since the beginning of the fall semester. Many of these cases are related to the H1N1 virus. We will continue to see H1N1 flu as well as seasonal flu throughout the fall and winter semesters. 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.
We strongly recommend individuals receive the seasonal flu vaccine.
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.
SHS has registered to be an H1N1 vaccine provider; however, the vaccine has been delayed. Student Health Services is working with the state and local health departments to facilitate distribution of the vaccine to students once it is received. SHS will follow CDC guidelines for vaccination of priority groups. Check the SHS webpage for future updates.
Symptoms
Symptoms of H1N1 Influenza are similar to those of the seasonal flu. They include:
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a sudden, high fever
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cough
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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
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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).
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Cover your cough; throw away used tissues.
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Wash your hands frequently or use alcohol based hand sanitizers.
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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 Nov 10, 2009
Additional information on avian and other
pandemic influenza
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