H1N1 Virus Campus Advisory

From the Health Services Director

September 2, 2009

As we start a new academic year, H1N1 virus is on everyone’s mind. Many at St. Olaf and in the local community have been working hard on a health plan that covers just about every aspect of life that can be affected by H1N1. Fortunately, the vast majority of cases of H1N1 are mild and, at this point, the virus appears no more virulent or severe than most seasonal flu. This strain does seem to be more frequent in children and young adults which makes healthy college students a high-risk category.

H1N1 spreads like regular seasonal influenza viruses spread, mainly through the coughs and sneezes of people who are sick with the virus. It may also be spread by touching infected objects and then touching your nose or mouth. H1N1 infection can cause a wide range of flu-like symptoms, including fever, cough, sore throat, body aches, headache, chills, and fatigue and possibly, nausea, vomiting and/or diarrhea.

Right now, the most important thing we can do is to talk about prevention. How do you increase your odds of staying healthy?

  • Avoid close contact with people who are sick. The Center for Disease Control recommends a 6 foot distance. When you are sick, keep your distance from others.
  • Stay in when you are sick. Stay away from classes, work, and errands when sick. You will help prevent others from catching your illness.
  • An inexpensive thermometer would be a helpful item to bring to campus to help detect fever (100.5 degrees F or 38.05 C).
  • Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing. Throw used tissues into the garbage.
  • If you don’t have a tissue, cough into your sleeve.
  • Clean your hands and hum a tune! Wash your hands for 20 seconds. 20 seconds is about the amount of time it takes to hum “Yankee Doodle” or “Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star!” Washing your hands often will help protect you from germs.
  • If you can’t use soap and water, use an alcohol based hand sanitizing gel. Although it will be readily available around campus, consider travel size gels which are great for your back pack. Look for a product with an alcohol content of about 60 percent.
  • Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs are often spread when a person touches something that is contaminated with germs then touches his or her eyes, nose, or mouth.
  • Do not share food, drink, or utensils.
  • Get your annual season flu shot. Flu clinic will September 21 and 22, 9-4pm in the Sun Room at Buntrock Commons. Cost will be $24.00. H1N1 shots are not yet available.
  • Finally, practice other good health habits. Get plenty of sleep, be physically active, manage your stress, drink plenty of fluids, avoid excessive use of alcohol, and eat nutritious food.

If you feel the effects of flu or other illness coming on, please do the following:

  • Call Health Services early if you have an underlying medical condition. Otherwise, go to bed and rest. Take frequent sips of fluids. Do not take aspirin or medications with aspirin. Tylenol or ibuprofen may help reduce fever and treat body aches. Most likely, you will feel miserable for a few days and it may take several more to build back to your normal energy level. Call Health Services if you have fever greater than 3 days, fever that returns after a 12-24 hour period, are feeling worse than you think you should, or need guidance. As always, call 911 for emergencies.
  • If you will be missing classes, contact your faculty members and the Dean of Students Office. You can resume your normal schedule once you have been without fever for 24 hours without using any fever-suppression medications.
  • Do not go to the Cafeteria. Instead, give your ID to a friend and they can get a to-go container and bring you a meal from Stav Hall.
  • Discuss your situation with your roommate. If feasible, you might wish to go home, or we can make other arrangements to keep those around you healthy.

We are still learning more about this virus and how to respond in our residential community. In a series of e-mails that will follow, we will focus on H1N1 health information pertinent to you as a student as information becomes available. Please regularly visit the Pandemic Response web page for additional and updated information.

Marie Sampson, CNP
Health Services Director