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H1N1 Influenza (Swine Flu) Information


Prevention
  • Practice good hand hygiene by washing your hands with soap and water, especially after coughing or sneezing. Alcohol-based hand cleaners also are effective.
  • Practice respiratory etiquette by covering your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. If you don’t have a tissue, cough or sneeze into your elbow or shoulder, not into your hands. Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth; germs are spread this way.
  • Know the signs and symptoms of the flu. A fever is a temperature taken with a thermometer that is equal to or greater than 100 degrees Fahrenheit or 38 degrees Celsius. Look for possible signs of fever: if the person feels very warm, has a flushed appearance, or is sweating or shivering.
  • Stay home if you have flu or flu-like illness for at least 24 hours after you no longer have a fever (100 degrees Fahrenheit or 38 degrees Celsius) or signs of a fever (have chills, feel very warm, have a flushed appearance, or are sweating). This should be determined without the use of fever-reducing medications (any medicine that contains ibuprofen or acetaminophen). Don’t go to class or work.
  • Talk with your health care providers about whether you should be vaccinated for seasonal flu. Also if you are at higher risk for flu complications from 2009 H1N1 flu, you should consider getting the H1N1 vaccine when it becomes available. People at higher risk for 2009 H1N1 flu complications include pregnant women and people with chronic medical conditions (such as asthma, heart disease, or diabetes). For more information about priority groups for vaccination, visit www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/vaccination/acip.htm.

Based on recommendations from the CDC, the Health Center has adopted the following guidelines in regard to influenza-like illnesses:

  • Persons with fever of 100.0F or greater and upper respiratory symptoms should self-isolate in their home until 24 hours after their fever has resolved without the use of fever-reducing medications.
  • Certain individuals with chronic health problems may be candidates for antiviral medications and therefore should contact their health care provider to discuss this option.
  • If students with flu-like symptoms must notify their instructors of absences.

Flu Symptoms

Symptoms of seasonal influenza and H1N1 (swine) flu include fever (usually high), headache, fatigue, body aches, dry cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, and occasionally stomach symptoms such as diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting. Symptoms of H1N1 flu in most cases are similar to, and no worse than, those caused by typical seasonal flu.
In certain instances, the symptoms above may occur in conjunction with other symptoms. This can be indicative of a more severe illness that may require medical attention. Seek care if you experience:

  • Bluish or grayish skin color
  • Severe or persistent vomiting
  • Confusion
  • Chest pains
  • Shortness of breath
  • Dehydration

Difference Between Cold And Swine Flu Symptoms

Students: Click here to self-report your illness

UM-Helena H1N1 Response Plan

Additional Information
Additional information concerning the H1N1 (swine) flu can be found at: