H1N1 (Swine Flu) Information

What you should know about H1N1 (Swine) Flu

People who have visited areas where swine influenza cases have been identified (or who have been exposed to a known case of swine flu), AND who become ill with flu-like symptoms, should contact their health care provider to determine proper treatment options or the University Health Service at 216.368.4539 or 216.368.6150.

• Symptoms of swine influenza may include fever, body aches, runny nose, sore throat, nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea. Symptoms generally occur within 1 to 7 days after exposure to the infection.
  
  
• If you have a respiratory illness, stay home from school and limit contact with others to avoid infecting them.
  
  
• As always, frequent hand washing is the best way to prevent spread of any form of influenza.

There are everyday actions people can take to stay healthy.

• Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it.
  
  
• Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze. Alcohol-based hand cleaners also are effective.
  
  
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth. Germs spread that way.
  
  
• Try to avoid close contact with sick people.
  
  
• Influenza is thought to spread mainly person-to-person through coughing or sneezing of infected people.

Additional information on this outbreak can be found on the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention web site.

What to do if You've Been Exposed to a Probable Case of H1NI Influenza (swine flu)

Interim Guidance from the Centers for Disease Control What to do if you've been exposed to a probable case of H1N1 Influenza (swine flu).

What is novel H1N1 (swine flu)?

Novel H1N1 (referred to as "swine flu" early on) is a new influenza virus causing illness in people. This new virus was first detected in people in the United States in April 2009. Other countries around the world have reported people sick with this new virus. This virus is spreading from person-to-person, probably in much the same way that regular seasonal influenza viruses spread.

How Flu Spreads:

The main way that influenza viruses are thought to spread is from person to person in repiratory droplets of coughs & sneezes. This can happen when:

• Droplets from a cough or sneeze of an infected person are propelled through the air and deposited on the mouth or nose of people nearby, or
  
  
• When a person touches infected droplets that have landed on another person or an object and then touches their own mouth or nose before washing their hands.

You should monitor yourself for symptoms of this infection for 7 days following your exposure:

• Fever (greater than 100 degrees)
  
  
• Cough
  
  
• Sore throat
  
  
• Stuffy/runny nose
  
  
• Chills
  
  
• Headache and body aches
  
  
• Diarrhea or vomiting may be present

If you develop any of these symptoms, you should contact the Health Service at 216.368.2450. There is an on-call service nights and weekends as well.

The good news:

Even though this influenza infection is widespread, in the United States thus far, the illness has been similar to regular flu that circulates every year. This is treatable with an antiviral drug called Tamiflu-an oral medication that is taken twice daily for 5 days. It shortens the duration and intensity of the illness so you feel better sooner.

Taking Care of Yourself at Home When You Have H1N1 (Swine Flu)

People with swine flu who are at home should:

1. Stay at home until you have been symptom-free for 24 hours.
   
   
2. Get plenty of rest.
   
   
3. Take any medication that has been prescribed for you by your Health Service clinician.
   
   
4. Drink clear fluids (such as water, broth, Gatorade-type drinks, ginger ale, etc) to keep from being dehydrated.
   
   
5. Cover your coughs and sneezes with a tissue and then dispose of these in the trash.
   
   
6. Clean hands with soap and water or an alcohol-based hand rub often and especially after using tissues and after coughing or sneezing
   
   
7. Avoid close contact with others-do not go to work or school while you are sick!
   
   
8. Watch for emergency warning signs that mean you should contact the Health Service for additional advice.

When to Seek Emergency Medical Care

Get medical care right away if:

• You have difficulty breathing or chest pain
  
  
• You have purple or blue discoloration of the lips
  
  
• You are vomiting and unable to keep liquids down
  
  
• You have signs of dehydration such as dizziness when standing, absence of urination, or in infants, a lack of tears when they cry
  
  
• You have seizures (for example, uncontrolled convulsions)

Medications to Help Lessen Symptoms of the Flu:

IBUPROFEN (Advil, etc) 400-600 mg every 4 to 6 hours helps lower the fever, treat the sore throat or muscle aches, and lessen the headache. Do not take if it upsets your stomach.

ACETAMINOPHEN (Tylenol, Paracetamol, etc) 500-1000 mg every 4 hours helps lower the fever and does not upset your stomach. For some people, it does less to relieve the headache and muscle aches.

DO NOT TAKE ASPIRIN IF YOU ARE UNDER 18 YEARS OF AGE. (Aspirin increases the risk of developing Reyes' Syndrome in people who are younger than 18). This includes aspirin containing products like Pepto Bismol. Check the label if you are uncertain about what has aspirin in it.

If other people are in the same home or apartment:

• The sick person should not have visitors other than people assisting with their care. A phone call is safer than a visit.
  
  
• Avoid having pregnant women take care of the sick person; pregnant women are at greater health risk if infected with swine flu.
  
  
• All persons in the household should clean their hands with soap and water or an alcohol-based hand sanitizer frequently, including after every contact with the sick person or the person's room or bathroom.
  
  
• Use paper towels for drying hands after hand washing or dedicate cloth towels to each person in the household. For example, have different colored towels for each person.

For more information, go to cdc.gov/h1n1flu/guidance_homecare.htm.

Weekdays, phone the advice nurse at the Health Service: 216.368.6720. Nights and weekends, the on-call service is reached by phoning 216.368.2450