Avoiding H1N1 on Campus:

People contract H1N1 by being in close contact with another person who has the virus. It is spread primarily by droplets when the infected person coughs or sneezes.

If a close friend or roommate has H1N1, avoid close contact. If your roommate is sneezing and coughing, and you have nowhere to go, wear an N95 mask. This is the only type of mask that is effective in preventing the virus from spreading to you. These can be found in many drug stores.

Viruses live on surfaces for only a short time (unlike bacteria, which can survice on surfaces for many days and weeks.) Nevertheless, it is a good idea to clean computer keyboards with bleach wipes, and avoid sharing cups, glasses, tooth brushes, or other objects.

Wash your hands frequently or use alcohol based hand sanitizers, which can be carried in your pocket or backpack.  Avoid shaking hands during this flu season.

If H1N1 is prevalent on your campus, avoid crowded indoor areas. Others in the crowd may have the flu virus.

To keep up your own resistance, get plenty of sleep and eat nutritious foods. Your body requires regular nutrient replenishment to maintain a healthy immune system. Intense dieting during the cold and flu season can put you at greater risk.

If you already have a medical condition that puts you at higher risk, ask your doctor what else you need to do to protect yourself. Conditions such as asthma, pregnancy, diabetes, or HIV may require additional precautions to avoid contracting the flu.

Ask your doctor about getting a regular flu shot. 

Coping with H1N1 on Campus:

Do not attend classes, work, or events where other people will congregate.  The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that you stay isolated for at least 24 hours after your fever has subsided. (Take your temperature after stopping fever-reducing medications such as Tylenol, Motrin, or aspirin and wait at least another 24 hours before going out.)

Notify your academic dean or faculty members that you are not coming to class because you are sick. They can help you catch up on your work later, after you feel well. Also notify your school infirmary or health office. They may have additional advice for you or send a nurse to see you.

Disregard the notion to “Feed a cold and starve a fever (flu).”  More fluids than usual are needed when you have the flu or a cold. Drink water and juices. Hot drinks such as tea may ease a cough or sore throat. You may want to ask a buddy to leave food and drinks outside your door, so you have a supply on hand.

Ask your doctor or nurse about antiviral medications. Remedies such as Tamiflu or Relenza may be helpful to you.

Ask your doctor or nurse about a pneumococcal vaccination. Secondary bacterial pneumonia is a common complication of the flu.  If you are at risk for pneumococcal disease, your doctor or nurse may recommend this vaccine.

Do not smoke or drink alcohol while you are sick. These activities can exacerbate your symptoms.

If your fever increases well above 100oF, or other symptoms worsen, seek medical attention. Call your campus health service, or your own doctor. Do not rush to the emergency room.  If you have difficulty breathing, call 911.    

When you’re sick, there’s no place like home. If you live close to school, arrange for a family member or friend to drive you home. Do not use mass transit. If you live far away, self-isolating on campus is better than getting on an airplane or train.  

ADDITIONAL SUGGESTIONS FOR CAMPUS ADMINISTRATORS:

Keep track of the number of cases of H1N1 and seasonal flu reported to campus health authorities. Keep track of available beds in the infirmary, and local hospital.  Monitor the severity of flu on campus and the possible need to postpone group events such as concerts and sporting events.

Ensure that nurses and other health care professionals are available by phone 24 hours a day to help students who call for assistance.

Make sure that the school store or infirmary has on hand supplies for students, including thermometers, alcohol-based hand sanitizers, fever reducing medications such as ibuprofen, juices, and N95 masks.

Make sure that soap and water or alcohol-based hand sanitizers are available in many locations.  Also make sure tissues are available.

Communicate these suggestions to everyone on campus using traditional means, such as flyers, but also with new media such as social networking websites.