I think I have H1N1 (swine) flu
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To Report your Illness and Access Support Services
To cut down on the spread of this novel influenza virus, we are advising students to self-isolate and self-treat without being medically evaluated, unless they have underlying medical conditions or are concerned for any reason (see danger signs below).
An online form is available from this page to Report your Illness and Access Support Services. This will allow you to report your illness to both the Health Center and the office of Dean Susan Lantz (for reporting absenteeism to professors), as well as to request food delivery (if you are on a meal plan and live on campus) while in isolation.
Faculty and Staff should contact their primary care physicians.
If emergency medical attention is needed beyond the Health Center hours, students are advised to call the Campus Police at 610-758-4200.
Signs and Symptoms
The symptoms of H1N1 novel influenza virus are similar to those of seasonal flu and include:
· Fever of at least 100 degrees Fahrenheit (37.8 C), often with shaking chills
· Cough and/or sore throat
You *must* have the above symptoms to meet the criteria for H1N1 flu.
Other symptoms include:
· Body aches, headache, and fatigue
· Runny or stuffy nose
· Occasionally diarrhea and vomiting
If after reviewing the above list, you believe you MAY have H1N1 Influenza, please fill out the online form To Report your Illness and Access Support Services.
Seek medical attention immediately for any of the following danger signs:
shortness of breath
chest pain
high fever that lasts beyond 3 days
confusion or delirium
What to do if you have the flu...
- For fever, pain, or general sick feeling, take acetaminophen (Tylenol-650 mg. every 4 hours or 1000 mg. every 6 hours), or ibuprofen (Advil-400 mg. every 4 hours). Ibuprofen must be taken with food. Tylenol may be alternated every 2 hours with Advil. (For example, 2 tablets Tylenol at 10 a.m., 2 Advil at noon, 2 Tylenol at 2 p.m. and so on.)
- To keep your throat moist, increase your fluid intake. If it is difficult to swallow solid foods, nourishment can be maintained with gelatin desserts, fruit juices, ice cream, etc. Warm fluids often feel better than cold fluids.
- Lozenges such as Cepacol or Sucrets may make you feel better. Hard candies may also be soothing.
- Get extra rest.
- For nasal congestion, an over-the-counter medicine such as Sudafed is advised.
- For cough, an over-the-counter cough syrup that contains dextromethorphan can suppress your cough.
- Students with medical conditions (i.e. asthma, diabetes, cardiac disease)
should start antiviral medication as soon as possible and definitely within 48 hours of the onset of
symptoms. Health and Wellness Center staff can provide prescriptions.
Please call ahead at 610-758-3870 for an appointment. You will be asked to wear a mask, that we will supply, in the waiting area.
Ways of Preventing the Spread of H1N1 (swine) Flu
If you are well:
- Clean your hands frequently with soap and warm water for 20 seconds or using alcohol-based hand sanitizers when water is not available.
- Avoid contact with people who are sick whenever possible.
- Cover your mouth and nose when you cough or sneeze.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
- Get adequate sleep and good nutrition. Do not smoke or drink excessive alcohol.
- Purchase supplies for a flu kit: thermometer, fever reducing medicines, decongestant, cough medicine, tissues, Gatorade, broth
If you become ill:
- Students, faculty or staff who live either on or off campus and who have ILI (Influenza Like Illness) should self-isolate (i.e., stay away from others) in their dorm room or home for at least 24 hours after their fever is gone except to get medical care or for other necessities (their fever should be gone without the use of a fever-reducing medicine). They should keep away from others as much as possible. This is to keep from making others sick.
- Families who are able to should consider bringing their ill students home to recuperate until at least 24 hours after the fever breaks.
- Those diagnosed will H1N1 flu should wear a face mask while in the presence of others. This can be provided by the Health and Wellness Center or please contact your Gryphon if you live on campus.