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> MSU Today - Campus News
Information on influenza and swine flu
September 01, 2009
The following is a letter to the campus community from MSU's Student Health Service:
Influenza viruses causing both seasonal and the novel H1N1 (swine) flu are likely already circulating in the community. In light of this, we want to provide this basic background information about influenza so that you can be better prepared. It's important that all members of the community be aware that all information to date indicates that H1N1 influenza is no more serious an illness than seasonal influenza.
You should also know that a group begins meeting this week to coordinate a campus-wide response to a possible influenza outbreak.
Prevention is key:- Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze. If you are not near water, use an alcohol-based (60-95%) hand cleaner (such as Purell).
- Cover your nose and mouth when you cough or sneeze. Cough into your sleeve, shoulder or elbow. Even a bare arm is better than your hands.
- If you use a tissue, throw the tissue away immediately after you use it and wash your hands or use alcohol-based hand cleaner.
- Avoid close contact with people who are sick. Try not to touch your eyes, nose, or mouth.
- Get a flu shot when it becomes available.
- It is OK to continue to go to classes or come to work if you are not sick.
Common influenza symptoms:- Fever over 100°F (38°C)
- Chills
- Headache
- Cough
- Sore throat
- Runny nose
- Muscle and/or joint aches
- Fatigue
- Vomiting and/or diarrhea (sometimes)
Worrisome symptoms (seek medical care as soon as possible):- Fever over 102°F (39°C) that does not come down below 100°F (38°C) with fever reducing medicine
- Severe headache
- Stiff neck - unable to touch your chin to your chest
- Severe cough not helped by cough medicine
- Shortness of breath
- Rash
- Pain or pressure in the chest or abdomen
- Sudden dizziness
- Confusion
- Vomiting that prevents keeping down Gatorade, 7-Up or sweetened tea
- Flu-like symptoms improve but then return with fever and worse cough
People who are at risk for complications of influenza should seek medical care as soon as possible if they develop flu symptoms. Such at-risk persons are those of any age with the following conditions:- Pregnant women
- Chronic lung (including asthma), heart, kidney, liver, blood disorders (including sickle cell disease), neurologic, neuromuscular, or metabolic disorders (including diabetes mellitus)
- Impaired immune system, including that caused by medications or by HIV
- Persons younger than 19 years of age who are receiving long-term aspirin therapy
- Children younger than 5 years old, and particularly younger than 2 years old
- Adults 65 years of age and older
- Residents of nursing homes and other chronic-care facilities
If you get the flu:- Stay at home or in your dorm room, avoiding work, school, and social gatherings until the fever has been below 100°F (38°C) for 24 hours (without needing fever-reducing medicine to keep the temperature down).
- If you are ill and cannot come to the dining hall to eat, you may have another student pick up a tray of food to be taken to your room. The student picking up the food must present both his/her CatCard as well as yours when entering the dining hall. Your card number will be taken by the cashier. Any items not returned (silverware, china, or glassware), will be billed to your MSU account.
- Get plenty of rest.
- Drink at least 2 liters each day of liquids such as non-diet 7-UP, Sprite, Gatorade, ginger ale, broth, tea with sugar (yes, soda pop is OK with a cold or flu).
- For runny nose and stuffy nose, try a decongestant like 12-Hour Sudafed (available without a prescription).
- For cough, try a cough syrup like Delsym (available without a prescription).
- To reduce fever, take ibuprofen (e.g. Motrin, Advil), naproxen (e.g. Aleve) or acetaminophen (e.g. Tylenol) as directed on the bottle. Avoid aspirin.
- For vomiting, don't eat or drink anything until you have not vomited for 4 hours, then sip on liquids (see above - avoid plain water as it can make vomiting worse) for 24 hours. If no further vomiting, begin eating mild foods like crackers, mashed potatoes, rice, applesauce for 24 hours. Then resume your regular diet.
- If your symptoms get worse, seek medical care. Students may call (406-994-2311) or visit the Student Health Service (8 a.m.-4:30 p.m. M-F; 8 a.m.-11: 30 a.m. Sat.).
- If you have to go out, wear a surgical mask or try to stay at least six feet from other people
Bob Flaherty, MD
Manager, Acute Care Services
MSU Student Health Service
Jim Mitchell
Director
MSU Student Health Service
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