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Health Guidelines

Worried About Getting Seasonal or H1N1 Flu?

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends 3 main ways you may keep from getting sick with the flu and 1 way to keep from spreading it:

  1. Practice good hand hygiene by washing your hands often with soap and water, especially after coughing or sneezing. Alcohol-based hand cleaners are also effective.
    • Frequently clean your living quarters. If you live together with other students, you should frequently clean commonly-used surfaces such as doorknobs, refrigerator handles, remote controls, computer keyboards, countertops, faucet handles, and bathroom areas.
  2. Cover 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.
  3. Stay home or at your place of residence if you are sick 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).
    • Staying away from others while sick can prevent others from getting sick too.
    • Ask a roommate, friend, or family member to check up on you and to bring you food and supplies if needed.
  4. Talk to your health care provider if you are at higher risk for complications from flu to find out if you should be vaccinated for seasonal flu and/or 2009 H1N1 flu.

In addition:

  • Update your emergency contact lists (family, friends, physician, etc.) and make sure that your RA and roommates have access to them.
  • Learn more about IPFW's pandemic response plan.

According to the CDC, these symptoms that should trigger emergency medical care for adults who have the flu or are recovering from the flu:

  • 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

Having a high fever for more than three days is another danger sign, according to the WHO (World Health Organization).

What to Do If Conditions Are More Severe or Worsen

If flu conditions become more severe (the flu is causing the closure of many businesses and services because so many people are sick ), students, faculty, and staff should consider the following steps:

  • If ill, extend the time you stay home or at your residence to at least 7 days, even if you feel better sooner. If you are still sick after 7 days, continue to stay home until at least 24 hours after your symptoms have completely gone away. Symptoms of flu include fever or chills and cough or sore throat. In addition, symptoms of flu can include runny nose, body aches, headache, tiredness, diarrhea, or vomiting.
  • Prepare for the possibility of suspension of classes by planning to continue your work at home (e.g., homework packets, Web-based lessons, phone calls).
  • Find a place where you can stay either by going to your home, home of a relative, or close friend of the family.

For more information: Visit: www.flu.gov or contact the CDC 24 Hours/Day at 1-800-CDC-INFO (232-4636)

Learn more from the Frequently Asked Questions about the Flu from Students, Parents, Faculty, and Staff.

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