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H1N1 Flu Information
Upper Iowa University
H1N1 (Respiratory) Flu Action Plan
Important to know:
Although novel (new) H1N1 influenza is widespread, please be aware that the vast majority of cases are mild and, at this point, appear no more virulent or severe than most seasonal influenzas. Public Health Agencies report the novel H1N1 virus as yet another strain of influenza (Type A) that can be avoided by using standard precautionary steps (See below) adopted during every influenza season.
Symptoms:
Symptoms of the H1N1 influenza include fever (100 degrees F or higher), body aches, running or stuffy nose, sore throat, cough, headache, chills, fatigue, and sometimes nausea, vomiting or diarrhea.
Know the signs and symptoms of the flu.
A fever is a temperature taken with a thermometer that is equal to or greater than 100 degrees Fahrenheit or 38 degrees Celsius. Look for possible signs of fever: if the person feels very warm, has a flushed appearance, or is sweating or shivering.
Action taken if sick:
Residential Students:
Stay in your room and call the Office of Student Development (563 425 5215) or Residence Life Office (563) 419-8885, immediately. Complete the flu notification form found here.
Students with a private room should remain in their room and will receive meals from Dining Services. UIU staff will make daily contact by e-mail, text messaging, phone calls, or other methods with each student who is in self-isolation.
For those who cannot leave campus, and who do not have a private room, UIU will make accommodations for temporary, alternate housing for ill students until 24 hours after you are free of fever.
If possible, residential students with flu-like illness, who live relatively close to the campus, should return to their home to keep from making others sick.
Limit contact with others as much as possible (i.e. travel by private car).
Commuter students:
Contact your instructor to report you will not be attending class. Unless seeking medical care, stay home and practice self-isolation.
Center students:
Contact the Center Office to report you will not be attending class—the staff will inform your instructor. Unless seeking medical care, stay home and practice self-isolation.
Faculty/Staff:
Contact your supervisor to report you will not be coming to work. Unless seeking medical care, stay home and practice self-isolation.
Vaccine:
Talk with your health care providers about whether you should be vaccinated for seasonal flu. If you are at higher risk for flu complications from 2009 H1N1 flu, you should consider getting the H1N1 vaccine when it becomes available. People at higher risk for 2009 H1N1 flu complications include pregnant women and people with chronic medical conditions (such as asthma, heart disease, or diabetes).
Fayette campus students, faculty, staff:
In conjunction with Palmer Community Health, flu shots will be made available on campus as follows:
- Seasonal Flu shot: Annual vaccination made available for Influenza A & B strains. Cost: To Be Determined. Should be available late September or beginning October.
- H1N1 Flu shot: Currently being tested for this novel (new) strain of flu. Cost: To Be Determined. Should be available mid- to late October, depending on when testing is finalized.
Center location students, faculty, staff:
Each center is directed to work with the local public health departments for potential vaccinations and local clinics for potential treatment of ill students. Vaccination sites will be advertised in the local newspaper and reported by the Center Directors.
The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends individuals should be vaccinated for the Seasonal Respiratory Influenza.
Precautionary steps reminder:
- Practice good hand hygiene by washing your hands with soap and water, especially after coughing or sneezing. Alcohol-based hand cleaners also are effective.
- Practice respiratory etiquette by covering your mouth and 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. Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth; germs are spread this way.
- Stay home if you have flu or flu-like illness for at least 24 hours after you no longer have a fever (100 degrees Fahrenheit or 38 degrees Celsius) or signs of a fever (have chills, feel very warm, have a flushed appearance, or are sweating). This should be determined without the use of fever-reducing medications (any medicine that contains ibuprofen or acetaminophen). Don’t go to class or work.
- Keep your living quarters clean, including high-touch surfaces.
FOR MORE INFORMATION
- http://www.cdc.gov/swineflu/
- http://www.cdc.gov/H1N1flu/qa.htm
- www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/vaccination/acip.htm
