Important New Information for Students

Seasonal and H1N1 Flu (10-29-09)

As many of you know, the flu is a serious contagious disease that results, on average, in more than 200,000 hospitalizations and 36,000 deaths in the United States. This Flu season presents some new challenges because in addition to the usual seasonal flu that circulates every fall/winter, there is a new and very different flu virus spreading worldwide among people called novel or new H1N1 flu (previously called “Swine Flu”).

Are students at USD getting sick with H1N1 Flu?

Yes. The H1N1 flu is causing illness in all states and communities, including San Diego and here at USD. H1N1 is reported on 97% of all college campuses. Although the H1N1 virus is causing widespread illness, it typically does not cause more severe illness than a typical seasonal flu virus.

If I get sick do I need to get tested for H1N1?

Traditional rapid flu testing done in clinics has been found to be very unreliable at diagnosing H1N1 flu, meaning a negative test result does not rule out H1N1 illness. Therefore, the CDC recommends not doing rapid flu testing in clinics. Currently the public health department’s surveillance shows that 100% of all patients tested with flu-like symptoms are infected with H1N1, therefore we should assume that anyone in our county with flu-like symptoms has H1N1.

 If I get sick do I need to get antiviral medication for H1N1?

According to the CDC, most healthy persons who develop an illness consistent with uncomplicated influenza, or persons who appear to be recovering from influenza, do not need antiviral medications for treatment or prevention. If you suffer from any chronic condition that may put you at higher risk for flu complications such as asthma, diabetes or heart problems or are pregnant, antiviral drugs may be may be prescribed.  For more information on who is at high risk, please go to: Am I at high risk for complications?

If I get sick with flu symptoms, should I go to the Student Health Center?

Most healthy persons who develop an illness consistent with uncomplicated influenza, or persons who appear to be recovering from influenza, do not need to see a medical provider. The USD Special Alert Website, has extensive information about this, including a New! Cold and Flu Self-Assessment.

Will USD be giving H1N1 Flu vaccinations?

Yes. The Student Health Center has ordered vaccine for all students, faculty and staff that would like to receive it. The H1N1 vaccine will be free to students and employees.  Unfortunately, most people have little or no immunity to the H1N1 strain of flu, so prevention is particularly important.

Recommendations from the CDC have placed individuals under age 24 in the top priority group for receiving the H1N1 vaccine. The Student Health Center will conduct vaccination clinics for students once the vaccine becomes available (currently expected in November). H1N1 vaccine will require one dose for adults. Please  go to the USD Influenza Special Alert website for the latest information on H1N1 flu vaccine clinics at  USD H1N1 Flu Vaccine Clinics Schedule

If I’ve had the flu since this Spring, should I get the H1N1 vaccine?

Yes. The symptoms of influenza (flu-like illnesses) are similar to those caused by many other viruses. Even when influenza viruses are causing large numbers of people to get sick, other viruses are also causing illnesses.

Therefore, if you were ill but do not know if you had 2009 H1N1 infection, as confirmed by an RT-PCR test, you should get vaccinated.  

Should I get the seasonal flu vaccine?

Yes. This flu season, there are two different vaccines – seasonal flu vaccine and H1N1 flu vaccine. A seasonal vaccine will not offer protection against novel H1N1 and the H1N1 vaccine will not offer protection against seasonal flu. The CDC recommends that students get vaccinated for the seasonal flu. This vaccine is available for students at the Student Health Center.

What else can I do to prevent from getting the flu?

Prevention strategies are the same for seasonal and H1N1 flu, but because we will have both types of virus circulating, USD strongly recommends that all students follow The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommendations to protect themselves and others from influenza (the flu) by getting vaccinated, and to take everyday preventive actions:

• Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it.
• Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze. Alcohol-based hand cleaners are also effective.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs spread this way.
• Do not share food, drink, or utensils
• If you get the flu, CDC recommends that you stay home from work or school until you have no fever for 24 hours without fever-reducing medicines.
• While sick, limit contact with others to keep from infecting them.
• Become familiar with the Resources listed in the USD Special Alert Website to find out what to do if you get sick with the flu and how to care for someone at home who is sick with the flu.

If I get the Flu:

Flu-like symptoms include fever (usually high), headache, extreme tiredness, dry cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, muscle aches, and sometimes diarrhea and vomiting.

• If you think you may have the flu, and you have concerns or questions that are not answered in the USD Special Alert Website, please contact the SHC at 619-260-4595 to talk with a SHC medical professional.
• Be sure to share with the SHC professionals if you suffer from any chronic condition that may put you at higher risk for flu complications such as asthma, diabetes or heart problems. Antiviral drugs may be especially important for people who are very sick (hospitalized) or people who are sick with the flu and who are at increased risk of serious flu complications, such as pregnant women, young children and those with chronic health conditions.
• Remember to stay home or in your room from the time you feel sick until at least 24 hours after you are free of fever (100° F [37.8°C]), or signs of a fever without the use of fever-reducing medications to take care of yourself and avoid infecting others. Thermometers will be available in the residence halls.
• If you are sick, let faculty know that you are following these guidelines and will not attend class until your fever breaks and you feel better.
• If you are a resident student, contact your Resident Assistant or Community Director to inform them. They will help coordinate delivery of meals to your room. It is also recommended that you a wear a mask (available through Residence Life staff) if you need to go to common areas such as bathrooms.

Remember, the majority of individuals who contract this virus will not need to seek a doctor’s treatment. People at greatest risk for novel H1N1 infection complications include people with chronic health conditions like asthma, diabetes, morbid obesity or heart and lung disease. If you suffer from any of these conditions make sure to contact the Student Health Center.

What do I do if I have the Flu and it gets worse?

If you become ill and experience any of the following warning signs, seek emergency medical care.

• Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
• Pain or pressure in the chest or abdomen
• Sudden dizziness
• Confusion
• Severe or persistent vomiting
• Flu-like symptoms improve but then return with fever and worse cough

REMEMBER THE CDC AND USD URGES YOU TO TAKE THESE ACTION STEPS TO PROTECT AGAINS THE FLU:

• TAKE TIME TO GET VACCINATED (for both the seasonal and H1N1 Flu)
• TAKE EVERYDAY PREVENTIVE ACTIONS
• IF YOU ARE SICK, STAY HOME FOR AT LEAST 24 HOURS AFTER YOUR FEVER IS GONE EXCEPT TO GET MEDICAL CARE OR FOR OTHER ESSENTIAL NECESSITIES
• STAY UPDATED ON INFORMATION ABOUT THE FLU BY READING THE UNIVERSITY’S WEBSITE AND IF YOU STILL HAVE QUESTIONS, CALL THE SHC FOR GUIDANCE.