UMD Emergency Preparedness: Frequently Asked Questions about H1N1

Frequently Asked Questions about H1N1

I have flu symptoms. What should I do?
Do I need to see a doctor if I think I have H1N1 flu?
What are the warning signs that I might need urgent medical attention?
What is the H1N1 flu?
How is H1N1 spread?
Should I get a flu shot?
How can I avoid catching or spreading H1N1 flu?
How long does H1N1 flu last?
How will I receive H1N1 information from UMD?

1. I have flu symptoms. What should I do?

Your first priority is your health. You should avoid contact with others (self-isolate) until 24 hours after your fever has gone away without the use of medications such as acetaminophen (e.g. Tylenol) or ibuprofen (e.g. Advil, Motrin). Advanced planning with your families, roommates, employers and friends is strongly encouraged so you have the support you need when you are ill.

Students

Do not attend class or go to work
Notify Health Services at 218-726-8155
Go home to your family. If that is not possible, self-isolate in your apartment or on-campus residence
Contact your instructors by phone or email prior to missing class
For off-hour medial services call St. Luke's Hospital at 249-5616, St. Luke's Urgent Care Clinic at 249-6095, Nurse on Line at 786-3110, St. Mary's Hospital at 786-4357 or St. Mary's Urgent Care at 786-6000

Faculty and Staff

Do not report to work
Follow standard absence reporting procedures for your department

Personal care for the flu:

Get lots of rest
Drink plenty of fluids
Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when coughing or sneezing and discard the tissue in the trash
For relief of fever, medications such as acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) may be used

2. Do I need to see a doctor if I think I have H1N1 flu?

For most people, no, but notify Health Services at 218-726-8155. According to the CDC, most people are no more likely to require medical attention due to a case of H1N1 flu than with any other flu.

If you are part of a group at high risk of developing serious complications from seasonal influenza, yes. High risk groups include people of any age with chronic medical conditions such as asthma, diabetes, or heart disease. Pregnant women, children younger than 5 years old, people over the age of 65, and individuals with suppressed immune systems are also considered high risk and should see a healthcare provider.

3. What are the warning signs that I might need urgent medical attention?

If you have symptom-related questions, call Health Services at 218-726-8155 or your personal healthcare provider. For medical emergencies call 911.
Symptoms to watch for include:

Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
Pain or pressure in the chest or abdomen
Sudden dizziness
Confusion
Severe or persistent vomiting
Flu-like symptoms that improve but then return with fever and worse cough

4a. If I am a student and miss class, will I be allowed to make up coursework?

Yes. Instructors are examining the content and requirements of their courses in order to meet the needs of students who cannot attend class. Students are responsible to meet with their instructors once they are well to determine what they missed and how to make it up.

4b. If I am on a student meal contract and can't leave my room due to the flu, how do I get my meals?

If you are on a Residence Hall meal plan and need assistance with meals during your self-isolation, please call 218-726-7195 during the times listed below. Food Service will need at least 4 hours notice before meal delivery service can begin. This service is in response to the unique circumstances of H1N1 and will not be available for other illnesses.

Mon. - Thurs.	7:00 am - 7:00 pm
Fri:	7:00 am - 6:30 pm
Sat. & Sun.	10:30 am - 6:30 pm

4c. What if my roommate has H1N1 flu?

Wash your hands frequently with soap and water or hand sanitizer
Clean frequently used surfaces with disinfecting wipes
Try to stay 6 feet away from your roommate if possible
Do not share cups, glasses, or cooking/eating utensils
Encourage your roommate to wear a surgical mask and consider wearing a surgical mask yourself to reduce your exposure to the virus
Watch for symptoms for yourself. People infected with H1N1 can spread the virus before they know they are sick, so you may have been exposed

5. What is the H1N1 flu?

This flu is a novel or new influenza virus that first appeared last spring. The illness typically takes one week or longer to completely run its course.

Symptoms include:

Fever
Sore throat
Body aches
Cough
Headache
Chills
Fatigue
Occasional nausea and diarrhea

6. How is H1N1 spread?

H1N1 flu is contagious. It is caused by a virus that spreads from human to human, generally in the same way that seasonal flu spreads. Flu viruses are transmitted mainly through coughing or sneezing by people with influenza. Sometimes people may become infected by touching a surface or object with flu viruses on it and then touching their mouth, eyes, or nose.

People can spread the H1N1 virus before they develop flu-like symptoms, so take precautions even if you don't think you (or anyone around you) are sick.

7. Should I get a flu shot?

Seasonal flu shots

According to the CDC, you should consider receiving the seasonal flu vaccine. UMD's shipment of vaccine has been exhausted. We encourage you to contact your medical care provider to determine availability of seasonal influenza vaccine.

H1N1 flu shots

The Minnesota Department of Health recommends that everyone receive the H1N1 influenza vaccine. UMD received a shipment of injectable H1N1 vaccine, to be distributed at flu immunization clinics in the Kirby Lounge on January 20 and 27.

For those who were unable to attend these clinics, vaccinations may be done after January 27 on an individual basis at Health Services for students and at the Quick Care Clinic for faculty and staff. You may also contact your medical care provider to determine availability of H1N1 influenza vaccine.

8. How can I avoid catching or spreading H1N1 flu?

A few precautionary measures can be very effective in protecting yourself or others from H1N1 flu:

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 sanitizers are also effective.
Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs are easily spread by hands.
Try to avoid close contact with individuals that are ill.
If you are sick with flu-like symptoms, the Center for Disease Control recommends that you stay at home for at least 24 hours after your fever is gone (without the use of fever-reducing medicine) except to get medical care or other necessities. Stay away from others as much as possible during this period to avoid making them sick.

9. How long does H1N1 flu last?

H1N1 influenza typically takes about one week to run its course. Do not resume normal activities (class, work, etc) until you are fever-free for 24 hours without the aid of fever-reducing medications such like acetaminophen or ibuprofen. Until then you may still be contagious.

10. How will I receive H1N1 information from UMD?

E-mail and TXT-U messages will be sent as needed. The Emergency Preparedness web page will continue to be updated as new information becomes available. It can be found at http://www.d.umn.edu/emergency/

Revised 1-21-10

Emergency Preparedness