H1N1 Frequently Asked Questions

The most common symptoms of the flu are fever (can be quite high—103+), chills, body aches, cough, sore throat and mild nasal congestion. Significant fatigue and decreased stamina are also common. People often describe it as feeling like they got “run over by a truck.” Nausea and diarrhea have also been reported with H1N1 infection.

The duration and severity of symptoms will be differ from person to person. What we have been seeing is that the fever and achiness are lasting between 2-4 days. (Fever often spikes within the first 24 hours). The cough, fatigue and overall drained feeling can linger for a week or more.

Ibuprophen (Advil or Motrin) 400-600mg every 4 -6 hours, and/or acetaminophen (Tylenol) 1000mg every 6-8 hours, can be very effective at keeping the fever and body aches under control. (Don’t take any medication that you are allergic to).
Over the counter cough remedies like Robitussin or Mucinex can help ease the cough and loosen the phlegm.
Drink LOTS OF FLUIDS! Staying hydrated is extremely important.

You should feel free to call or come to the health center anytime you have questions or concerns about your symptoms.
If you have underlying medical problems (like asthma, diabetes, heart problems, or any other chronic illness) you should come to the health center to discuss with the staff.
If you are having any of the following symptoms, you should seek medical care even if you don’t have underlying medical problem…
- Shortness of breath/difficulty breathing
- Extreme dizziness
- Confusion
- Rapid worsening of your symptoms
- Worsening of your cough/breathing after initial improvement
- Prolonged vomiting
- Fever lasting more than 4 days

You should go to the ER if you have any of the above symptoms and the health center is closed.
If severe shortness of breath is present, you should go directly to the ER, even if the health center is open.

Now that influenza has been confirmed on campus and in the surrounding communities, testing is not routinely recommended. Those with typical symptoms will be presumed to have H1N1 influenza.

The decision to use Tamiflu or not is made on a case by case basis, but in general Tamiflu is currently being recommended for use in patients with severe illness (hospitalization, breathing difficulties, etc), and to be considered in patients with underlying conditions that put them at higher risk for complications. Most people will not be put on the medication.

Influenza is contagious from 24 hours before symptoms arise to at least 24 hours after fever has broken.

Staying out of classes, away from work, and other public areas (like the dining hall) will reduce the exposure of others to your illness. The CDC recommends isolating yourself from others if you develop symptoms until your fever is gone, without medications, for 24 hours. Options for self isolation include going home, remaining in your room (if you have a single, or after talking with your roommate(s) if you share a room) or utilizing our alternate housing unit. Talking with your parents and roommate(s) ahead of time to devise a “flu-plan” will make that decision making easier if you contract the virus.

Obtain a note from the health center or from your RA or RD indicating that you need meals in your room. A friend or roommate can take that note to the dining room and pick up meals for you.

The virus is now widespread, so avoiding exposure completely will be difficult, but remaining vigilant about hand-washing and other respiratory etiquette are keys to decreasing transmission. In addition, a well-balanced diet, regular sleeping pattern and regular exercise will help your body’s defenses remain at their peak.
Consider vaccination. This is really the only way we have to truly prevent the illness. The Allegany County DOH is holding a public vaccination clinic on Sat Nov 14 in Belmont from 9AM – 4PM at the Genesee Valley Central School.