Health And Medecine
A (H1N1) Quick Preview SYMPTOMS The signs and symptoms are similar to regular seasonal human influenza and include:
1. Fever
2. Cough
3. Sore throat
4. Body aches/ Headaches
5. Chills
6. Fatigue
7. Occasionally Diarrhea and Vomiting
8. The virus is mainly spread from person to person through coughing, sneezing, and respiratory secretions. The flu is contagious one to two days before and four to five days after symptoms start.
PREVENTION
- Here are some ways that you can protect yourself:
1. Wash your hands with soap and warm water for 15-20 seconds or use alcohol based hand sanitizers, because the virus lives for up to two hours on surfaces.
2. Avoid close personal contact with people who exhibit flu-like symptoms.
3. Get plenty of sleep, drink plenty of fluids, eat nutritious foods and manage stress. 4. Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth.
- If you notice symptoms, stay home from work or school, avoid contact with people as much as possible, and call your medical provider for advice.
Your health provider will determine if influenza testing or treatment is needed.
Once confirmed, the Centers for Disease Control report that the H1N1 flu virus is treatable with prescription antiviral drugs.
Questions and Answers
Q: What is the University doing to protect students?
A: The DU Medical Care Unit has posted information on their websites. This guidance will remain in effect until the danger passes. The University has formed a task force to rapidly respond to any campus needs that arise. The University is focusing particular attention on locations on its campus where students gather and is devoting extra resources to cleaning those locations.
Q: What are the symptoms of H1N1 influenza?
A: The signs and symptoms are similar to regular seasonal human influenza and include: - Fever - Cough - Sore throat - Body aches/ Headaches - Chills - Fatigue - Occasionally Diarrhea and Vomiting
Q: How is the virus spread?
A: The virus is mainly spread from person to person through coughing, sneezing, and respiratory secretions.
Q: How long is the flu contagious?
A: The flu is contagious one to two days before and four to five days after symptoms start.
Q: What can be done to prevent H1N1 Influenza?
A: Here are some ways that you can protect yourself:
- Wash your hands with soap and warm water for 15-20 seconds or use alcohol based hand sanitizers because the virus lives for up to two hours on surfaces
- Avoid close personal contact with people who are sick with flu like symptoms
- Get plenty of sleep, drink plenty of fluids, eat nutritious foods and manage stress
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth
If you notice symptoms, stay home from work or school, avoid contact with people as much as possible, and call your medical provider for advice. Your health provider will determine if influenza testing or treatment is needed.Once confirmed, the Centers for Disease Control report that the H1N1 flu virus is treatable with prescription antiviral drugs.
Q: What if someone in my residence hall has or develops the flu?
A: The prevention recommendations stay the same. The influenza virus is mainly spread from close contact, person to person through coughing, sneezing and respiratory secretions. It lives for up to two hours on surfaces. You can protect yourself by washing your hands with soap and warm water for 15-20 seconds or using alcohol-based sanitizers, avoiding close contact with people who are sick or have flu-like symptoms and avoiding touching your eyes, nose or mouth. If you notice symptoms, stay home from work or school, avoid contact with people as much as possible and call your medical provider for advice.
Please visit the Ministry of Health website for complete information and facts on disease control and prevention at:
