Pandemic Planning and Response
- STUDENTS:
If You Have Flu-Like Symptoms then- Do Not Attend Classes or Go to Work
- Visit or Call Health Services (3063)
- Stay home for at least 24 hrs after your fever has subsided without the help of fever-reducing meds to ensure that you are no longer contagious.
1. Try to return home so that your family can take care of you in the comfort of your own home.
2. Or, stay in your dorm room and rest until you are healthy again.
- You must contact:
(1) Res Life/Dean of Students, or Health Services (3063)
(2) your professors
(3) your employer(s) if relevant- your professors will work with you so that you can continue your studies once you are well again
- if you are in an at-risk group for complications from the flu then Health Services and Res Life will help see that you receive proper medical attention.
- Drink Plenty of Clear Fluids (such as water, broth, sports drinks) to Prevent Dehydration, which is the most critical part of fighting the flu. Follow all the steps at this website: http://www.health.state.mn.us/divs/idepc/diseases/flu/basics/care/managesymp.html#dehydration
- From the MDH -- Tips to Help Manage the Effects of the Flu: http://www.health.state.mn.us/divs/idepc/diseases/flu/basics/care/managesymp.html
- SLEEP!! And try to eat at least some small portions of food throughout the day.
- Eat. Do not go to the Cage or Stav Hall since you only risk infecting others. Instead give your ID to a friend and they can get a to-go container and bring you a meal from Stav Hall.
- Avoid infecting others.
- Wear a medical mask if you must be around others (e.g., when friends are delivering meals), or keep a 6' distance so that if you cough/sneeze others will not inhale any airborne droplets. Your dorm JC has will provide a mask.
- Cover your cough. Watch this short, amusing, and informative video on the proper way to cough/sneeze … (http://www.coughsafe.com/media.html). - LOOK AFTER EACH OTHER. Check in on friends who are ill, and make sure that they are staying hydrated, etc.
Symptoms of H1N1 and Seasonal Flu are essentially Identical:
- Fever (100.5 °F or higher)
AND
- At Least One of the Following:
- cough
- sore throat
- runny/stuffy nose
- body aches
- headache
- chills and fatigue
- A significant number of people also experience vomiting and/or diarrhea
- It is not fun! Expect to spend 2-3 miserable days wiped out and in bed, followed by another 3-4 days recovering.
- It could be quite serious! H1N1 is targeting people in your age group, and has caused serious illness even in some healthy young adults.
WARNING! Get Immediate Medical Attention if Someone:
- Has difficulty breathing or chest pain
- Has purple or blue discoloration of the lips
- Has severe or persistent vomiting or has trouble keeping liquids down
- Has signs of dehydration
- Has a severe sore throat accompanied by swollen glands in the throat
- Has a fever over 104 degrees that cannot be brought down
- Has a fever of 101 degrees lasting more than three days
- Has seizures (for example, uncontrolled convulsions)
- Is less responsive than normal or becomes confused