Resources for Commuter Students

This year, as USD prepares for potential widespread illness caused by pandemic H1N1 influenza (swine flu) and seasonal flu, we are encouraging all members of the campus community to take appropriate steps to minimize the impact of the flu—both on themselves and on the campus community as a whole.

Influenza is a respiratory illness caused by a virus.  People contract the flu most mainly through close contact (within 6 feet) of a person ill with the flu-- by inhaling respiratory droplets or by transferring flu virus from their hands to their mouth, nose, or eyes.  Therefore, it is critical that persons with flu-like symptoms isolate themselves from others while they are ill to prevent spreading the virus.  It is also critical that those who are well take appropriate actions to prevent catching the flu, especially if they are high-risk for complications from the flu (or have close contact with someone who is high-risk).  (See below for information on who is high-risk).

Symptoms of the Flu (any or all of the following):

• Fever > 100 F
• Chills, night sweats
• Sore throat
• Cough
• Congestion
• Headache
• Body aches
• Fatigue
• Some people have intestinal symptoms—nausea, diarrhea, vomiting

The flu can be hard to differentiate from illness caused by other respiratory viruses.  Most often the flu starts abruptly, and is usually accompanied by a fever for the first 1-3 days. Symptoms can persist for a few days to 3 weeks. Symptoms usually start 1-4 days (but may be as much as 7 days) after exposure to the virus.

The following recommendations apply specifically to commuter students at USD:

1. If you get sick with the flu or  flu-like symptoms:

• Stay home until you are free of fever >100 F (without the use of fever reducers) for at least 24 hours.
• Do NOT use public transportation while you are ill.
• Avoid going out into public areas, except for medical care if you need it (call your healthcare provider or the Student Health Center first).
• Contact your professors by email to let them know you are ill.  Professors will work with you to make up any missed class work. Professors will not require a note from a healthcare provider to excuse an absence during the flu outbreak.
• See What to Do and How to Treat the Flu for information regarding self care and spread prevention.
• Try not to spread it around!  Cover your cough.  Wash your hands frequently. 
• Contact a healthcare provider if you have:
• prolonged symptoms (fever lasting more than 5 days, or cough/ sinus congestion lasting more than 2-3 weeks)
• any symptoms getting worse after the first 3-5 days)
• persistent headache, sinus pain, or ear pain
• any Warning Signs (see below)

Warning Signs

If you become ill and experience any of the following warning signs, seek emergency medical care. You may call the Student Health Center at (619) 260-4595 during the hours of 8:30am-4:30 pm M-F.  If symptoms are severe, or if the Health Center is closed, seek care at a local Urgent Care or ER or contact the USD medical provider on call by calling Public Safety at (619) 260-7777.
In adults, emergency warning signs that need urgent medical attention include:

• Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
• Significant or persistent 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

2. Know your risk status!  If you are high-risk for complications from the flu: (see below)

Some people have health conditions that put them at risk for severe illness from the flu (either H1N1 or seasonal flu).  The following groups are considered “high risk”:

• Children younger than 5 years old. The risk for severe complications from seasonal influenza is highest among children younger than 2 years old.
• Adults 65 years of age and older.
• Persons with the following conditions:

• Chronic diseases of the lung (including asthma), heart (except high blood pressure), kidneys, liver, blood (including sickle cell disease), nervous system, or muscles, or metabolic disorders (including diabetes mellitus);
• Suppressed immune system, including that caused by medications (such as prednisone) or by HIV;
• Pregnant women;
• Persons younger than 19 years of age who are receiving long-term aspirin therapy;
• Residents of nursing homes and other chronic-care facilities.

3. Flu Prevention--Take everyday actions to stay healthy.

• 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 hands cleaners are also effective.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs spread that way.
• Limit contact with others to keep from infecting them.
• Get immunized when the vaccines are available, especially if you are in a group recommended for immunization.
• Follow public health advice regarding social distancing measures

 

Further Information:

Additional resources regarding the flu virus and, specifically, the H1N1 flu are available and frequently updated on the CDC website.

3 Important Steps to Prevent Flu

What to do if you Get Flu-Like Symptoms 

Taking Care of a Sick Person in Your Home