H1N1 Prevention & Treatment

 

What can I do to protect myself from getting sick?
There is no vaccine available right now to protect against novel H1N1 virus.  However, a novel H1N1 vaccine is currently in production and may be ready for the public in the fall. As always, a vaccine will be available to protect against seasonal influenza.
There are everyday actions that can help prevent the spread of germs that cause respiratory illnesses like influenza.

Take these everyday steps to protect your health:

·         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 are also effective.

·         Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs spread this way.

·         Try to avoid close contact with sick people.

·         If you are sick with flu-like illness, CDC recommends that you stay home for at least 24 hours after your fever is gone except to get medical care or for other necessities. (Your fever should be gone without the use of a fever-reducing medicine.) Keep away from others as much as possible to keep from making others sick.

Other important actions that you can take are:

·         Get vaccinated with the seasonal flu vaccine when it becomes available in early fall and also with the H1N1 vaccine when it becomes available.

·         Follow public health advice regarding avoiding crowds and other social distancing measures.

·         Be prepared in case you get sick and need to stay home for a week or so; a supply of over-the-counter medicines, alcohol-based hand cleaners, tissues and other related items might could be useful and help avoid the need to make trips out in public while you are sick and contagious.

What is the best way to keep from spreading the virus through coughing or sneezing?
If you are sick with flu-like illness, CDC recommends that you stay home for at least 24 hours after your fever is gone except to get medical care or for other necessities. (Your fever should be gone without the use of a fever-reducing medicine.) Keep away from others as much as possible. Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing. Put your used tissue in the waste basket. Then, clean your hands, and do so every time you cough or sneeze.

What do I do if I become sick?

If you develop flu-like symptoms (high fever, cough, runny nose, body aches, nausea, vomiting or diarrhea) do not go to class.  Students are advised to stay home or in their dorm room until they are fever free for 24 hours.  If you have concerns regarding management issues, please contact your personal doctor or call the Schiffert Health Center immediately at 540-231-6444 for consultation rather than presenting in-person to the health center.  An Advice Nurse can be reached at this number outside of the health center’s normal hours of operation.  Health care professionals are in the best position to determine if you need influenza testing or treatment.  Students with certain underlying health issues may be at greater risk so please consult your personal physician or call Schiffert Health Center for guidance.

In general, if you are not experiencing high fever, difficulty breathing, chest pain, persistent vomiting, severe diarrhea or instability related to dehydration, you will be advised as to how you can manage symptoms with home care.

 

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Copyright 2009, Last updated 8/28/09