Frequently Asked H1N1 Questions at UST 

What is H1N1 Influenza?

H1N1 (formerly known as “swine flu”) is a new influenza virus causing illness in people. This new virus was first detected in people in the United States in April 2009. This virus is spreading from person-to-person and now is considered a worldwide pandemic by the World Health Organization.

How does novel H1N1 virus spread?

Spread of novel H1N1 virus is thought to occur in the same way that seasonal flu spreads mainly from person to person through coughing or sneezing by people with influenza. Sometimes people may become infected by touching something – such as a surface or object – with flu viruses on it and then touching their mouth or nose.

What are the signs and symptoms of H1N1 flu?

The primary symptoms of H1N1 flu include fever, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, body aches, headache, chills and fatigue. Severe illnesses and death has occurred as a result of illness associated with this virus.

How severe is illness associated with novel H1N1 flu virus?

Illness with the new H1N1 virus has ranged from mild to severe. While most people who have been sick have recovered without needing medical treatment, hospitalizations and deaths from infection with this virus have occurred.

How long can an infected person spread this virus to others?

People infected with seasonal and H1N1 flu may be able to infect others from 1 day before getting sick to 5 to 7 days after.

Should I go to class or work if I think I have the flu?

Those with influenza-like illness should stay away from classes and work and limit interactions with other people (called “self-isolation”), except to seek medical care, for at least 24 hours after fever has resolved, without the use of fever-reducing medicines. Some people with influenza will not have fever; therefore, absence of fever does not mean absence of infection. They should stay away from others during this time period even if they are taking antiviral drugs for treatment of the flu.

What should I do if I think I have the H1N1 influenza?

• Stay home for at least 24 hours after fever has resolved, without the use of fever-reducing medicines.
• If possible, return home to keep from making others sick.
• Avoid public transportation including the St. Thomas bus and ACTC bus.
• Students with a private room should remain in their room and receive care and meals from a single person. Students can establish a “flu buddy scheme” in which student’s pair up to care for each other if one or the other becomes ill.
• If close contact with others cannot be avoided, the ill student should be asked to wear a surgical mask during the period of contact. Examples of close contact include kissing, sharing eating or drinking utensils, or having any other contact between persons likely to result in exposure to respiratory droplets.
• Seek medical attention if you are experiencing flu-like symptoms (ILI) and have a medical condition that puts you at increased risk of severe illness from flu, are concerned about their illness, or develop severe symptoms such as increased fever, shortness of breath, chest pain or pressure, or rapid breathing.
• You will NOT be required to provide a doctor’s note in case of H1N1 symptoms, however UST is requesting that an online form be completed to track the incidence and prevalence of H1N1 in our community.  

Is there a vaccine for H1N1 influenza?

A vaccine is currently being developed with hopes for availability in late October 2009. Updated information will be posted in the Bulletin Today.

Is there treatment of H1N1 influenza

Yes. Antiviral medications are used for the treatment and/or prevention of infection with H1N1 flu virus. These medications fight against the flu by keeping flu viruses from reproducing in your body. If you get sick, antiviral drugs can make your illness milder and make you feel better faster. They may also prevent serious flu complications. During the current pandemic, the priority use for influenza antiviral drugs is to treat severe influenza illness (for example hospitalized patients) and people who are sick who have a condition that places them at high risk for serious flu-related complications.

How do I protect myself from contracting H1N1 influenza?

One of the best ways to protect against the flu is to get vaccinated against the flu. People under age 25 are one of the key groups recommended by CDC’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) to be among the first to receive the 2009 H1N1 flu vaccine.

Implement good hand hygiene and respiratory etiquette: stay home when sick, wash hands frequently with soap and water when possible, and cover noses and mouths with a tissue when coughing or sneezing (or a shirt sleeve or elbow if no tissue is available).

Frequent clean high-touch surfaces (for example, keyboards, remote controls, bathrooms, doorknobs, elevator buttons, and tables).

http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/
www.flu.gov
http://www.health.state.mn.us/
http://www.stthomas.edu/studenthealth/