H1N1 Flu Information
Updated Nov. 20, 2009
Colleges and universities across the country are seeing some probable cases of H1N1 influenza (formerly known as swine flu). At Connecticut College, 21 students are currently reporting flu-like symptoms. Since the beginning of the semester, a total of 196 students and 10 staff members have reported flu-like symptoms. In most cases, the symptoms have been fairly mild, and students have recovered and returned to classes within 3-4 days.
The College is not aware of any other cases at this time. Students, faculty and staff have been provided with guidelines on what to do if they have flu symptoms.
At this point, the majority of cases of H1N1 flu have been mild; however, this flu — like the seasonal flu that is seen each year — can be dangerous, particularly for people with other health conditions including asthma, diabetes, suppressed immune systems, heart disease, kidney disease, neurocognitive and neuromuscular disorders and pregnancy.
The College community is encouraged to become familiar with the symptoms of H1N1 flu.
The following Web sites provide the most up-to-date information about this rapidly evolving situation.
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In addition, campus updates and answers to frequently asked questions (FAQs) will continue to be provided on this site.
Symptoms of H1N1 flu
Symptoms include fever, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, body aches, headache, chills and fatigue. Some people infected with this virus also have reported diarrhea and vomiting. Cases in the U.S. to date have varied from mild to severe.
Avoiding infection and transmission
H1N1, like seasonal flu, is thought to spread mainly person-to-person through the coughing or sneezing of infected people. You can also get it if you touch a surface or object where there is flu virus and then touch your own eyes, mouth or nose. Studies show that flu virus can survive two to eight hours on surfaces.
To avoid infection and limit transmission, the following actions are recommended:
- Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it.
- If you don’t have a tissue, cover your sneeze or cough with your elbow or sleeve.
- 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.
- Try to avoid close contact with sick people. Keeping a distance of six feet is recommended.
- If you are sick with flu-like illness, the CDC recommends you stay home for at least 24 hours after your fever is gone (without the use of fever reducing medicine) except to get medical care or for other necessities. Keep away from others as much as possible to protect others from the illness.
- In high-traffic areas, keep surfaces such as keyboards, doorknobs and light switches clean by wiping down frequently with a household disinfectant.
- Be prepared in case you get sick and need to stay home for a week or so; a supply of over-the-counter medicines, alcohol-based hand rubs, tissues and other related items might could be useful and help avoid the need to make trips out in public while you are sick and contagious.
Last Modified: Friday, November 20, 2009 16:29