H1N1 Virus Campus Advisory

September 16, 2009

Dear Oles:

As some of you know, H1N1 influenza is here on campus. From what we've seen in Health Services so far, students are doing a good job of recognizing the symptoms and following the guidelines that have been set in place. Let's continue our awareness and prevention tactics. Remember good hand washing and cover your cough. Use hand sanitizer if you are not able to wash your hands. Use hand sanitizer after using shared items that probably aren't wiped down — including door knobs, hand rails, elevator buttons. IIT has asked that students not to wipe down shared keyboards.

Make an emergency plan before you get sick. Think about who you will need to notify — room mates, family, a friend to get your food or supplies, Res Life staff, RA, JC, and instructors/professors. Stock up on some basic supplies — fluids, tylenol or advil, small amounts of food, like crackers. Pick up a thermometer if you haven't already purchased one (the bookstore has these available and we have a limited supply for sale in Health Services). If you need assistance and Health Services is not open, visit the Health Services web page for the clinics and urgent care in the local area. The number for Public Safety is 3666. If it is an emergency call 911.

The following are some questions we've been asked in Health Services.

  • How will I know if what I have is H1N1 flu (swine flu) or regular seasonal influenza? At this time the H1N1 virus appears to cause similar symptoms as regular seasonal influenza and there is no way to know just from a person’s signs and symptoms. However, testing is not being done routinely on patients with mild symptoms. Most likely, you will not be tested, because we know that H1N1 currently represents >90% of all influenza A positive samples tested at the Minnesota Department of Health. Regardless, treatment for influenza-like illness is the same.
  • What should I do if I have symptoms or think I have been exposed to the H1N1 flu (swine flu) virus? If you are concerned that you may have been exposed, closely monitor your health for the symptoms of H1N1 influenza. In short, Tamiflu, the antiviral medication, is not recommended for those with mild symptoms or those in close contact with someone with H1N1. It is recommended for those with underlying illness at high risk of developing complications from H1N1.
  • I have heard the terms, "incubation period" and "period of communicability" used many times with the novel H1N1 flu outbreak. What is the difference? The "incubation period" refers to the time between when a person is first exposed to the virus (becomes infected) to when the person begins to show signs and symptoms of illness. For influenza, the estimated incubation period is 1-4 days. The "period of communicability" refers to the time that a person is able to spread illness to others. For influenza, the period of communicability ranges from 1 day before symptoms begin, to approx 7 days after onset of symptoms in most people, but possibly longer in some people. You can be contagious up to 24 hours after symptoms go away. Make sure you do not return to your daily activities until you have been fever free (less than 100.0 F) for 24 hours without using a fever suppressing medication. The CDC recommends this exclusion period regardless of whether or not antiviral medications are used.
  • If I am sick, what can I do to prevent from spreading my illness to others? If you are sick, you may be ill for a week or longer. If you develop influenza-like symptoms, you should stay home and avoid contact with others as much as possible until 24 hours after your fever subsides. If you need to leave your dorm room to seek medical care, wear a mask if available, cover your coughs and sneezes with the sleeve of your shirt or a tissue, and then dispose of that tissue once it is used.
  • Do I need to be seen if I develop symptoms? It's possible Health Services may not be able to see everyone with influenza-like illness, so if you have mild symptoms you are better off staying in your room or going home rather than sitting in Health Services waiting to be seen. If you are not feeling well and you need guidance, call Health Services and we'll help you over the phone to decide if you need to be seen.
  • When do I seek medical attention? Seek medical attention if you have difficulty breathing or shortness of breath, pain or pressure in your chest or abdomen, persistent vomiting, sudden dizziness, confusion, fever greater than 3 days, flu-like symptoms that improve but then return with fever and worsening cough after 12-24 hrs, unusual symptoms like stiff neck or rash. Seek medical attention early if you have an underlying illness that makes you at higher risk of developing complications with the flu. As always, for emergencies, call 911.
  • How do I stay healthy? Remember to wash your hands frequently throughout the day, this is your best line of defense since hands that often touch our faces are the easiest mode of transmission. See "When to Wash").
  • What if I get the flu? Follow your emergency plan and remember to:

    (1) drink plenty of clear fluids to prevent dehydration, which is a critical to fighting the flu (visit the Minnesota Department of Health webpage)

    (2) notify your professors and Res Life/Dean of Students office if you are sick (you can have a friend do this for you). Your professors need to know that you are ill and will be missing class so that they can help you when you are well enough to study again (which could be before you can actually return to class). Res Life needs to know so that they are aware that you are ill and can check up on you.

Marie Sampson, CNP
Health Services Director