Dear Angel

Dear Angel (I think my roomie has the flu!),

I think my roommate has H1N1, but she won’t go in to get tested for it. I’ve heard that you can get really sick and that there is a shot that can protect me. Where can I get it? Don’t you think my roommate should go home until she is better?

Signed,
Worried Roommate


Dear Worried,

There is a lot of hype going around about the H1N1 virus, and while some individuals can become very ill, the majority of people who have contracted this virus recover without incident.

This particular virus has a few specific symptoms:

•H1N1 MUST include a fever > 100 degrees Fahrenheit AND a cough and/or sore throat.
•Individuals with another diagnosis (i.e. strep throat, bronchitis, mono) would NOT be considered to be infected with the H1N1 virus.
•Individuals with a fever but with no sore throat or cough (even if they have other symptoms) would NOT be considered to have the H1N1 virus.
•Some people will also have upset stomach, diarrhea and body aches.
•Usually, the onset of this infection is very sudden.

If your roommate has these symptoms, please suggest she call Student Health (Ext. 1492), and ask to speak directly to one of the nurses (Angel or Julie). We will discuss her symptoms and treatment options. If we determine that she needs to be seen in our office, we will arrange a time for her to come in.

Testing for H1N1 is not done unless the person is ill enough to be hospitalized or has a serious chronic health disorder, such as severe asthma or other lung problems, diabetes, Crohns’ disease, immune disorders etc.

Students we identify as potentially having this virus will be expected to follow the Center for Disease Control guidelines for self-isolation (no work or school and limited contact with others until fever-free for 24 hours without the use of medication such as Tylenol). We will work with her faculty to ensure that they are aware of the need for your roommate to remain out of class. We will also coordinate food and other needs as they arise.

We are not requiring students to leave campus with this infection, but students who live close enough to go home without the use of public transportation would be encouraged to do so.

A vaccine for the H1N1 virus is expected to be available in the coming weeks. It will be provided first to individuals who are considered high risk — pregnant women, individuals with chronic health conditions and persons under the age of 24. Determination for administering this will be decided by the Department of Health. Student Health is working to see if this can be made available here on campus to our students. I will keep you posted should this occur.

It is also recommended that people consider obtaining a seasonal flu vaccine. This is NOT the same as the H1N1 vaccine but may help in preventing you from contracting the illness associated with the seasonal virus.

The most important thing you can do to protect yourself and others is to do the following:

•WASH YOUR HANDS frequently with soap and water. Alcohol-based hand sanitizers are also effective if you are not near a source of water.
•Cover your nose and mouth when you cough or sneeze. Ideally, coughing into your elbow or sleeve is advised. You may also use a tissue over your mouth and nose. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it.
•Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs spread this way.

You should also pay attention healthy lifestyle practices:

•Get plenty of SLEEP.
•Engage in REGULAR PHYSICAL ACTIVITY.
•MANAGE your STRESS.
•Drink plenty of FLUIDS.
•Eat NUTRITIOUS food.

I hope this is of help to you. Please feel free to contact me if you have additional questions.


Sincerely,
Angel