The symptoms of H1N1 flu include fever (Temperature above 100.4), chills, cough, sore throat, body aches, headache, fatigue, runny or stuffy nose and sometimes diarrhea and vomiting.  The illness usually starts abruptly, with fever and chills lasting a few days, and cough and fatigue lingering a few more days. 

Most people who become ill with H1N1 flu can expect mild to moderate symptoms similar to the seasonal flu and will recover within a week.  It is expected that most people will recover without needing medical care.  Treatment should focus on relieving symptoms and avoiding spreading the illness to others.

Symptom Control:

  • Get plenty of rest.
  • Drink enough fluids.
  • Fever and aches can be treated with acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin, Nuprin), or naproxen (Aleve).
  • Over-the-counter cold and flu medications may help lessen some symptoms such as cough and congestion.  Check the ingredients on the package label to see if the medication already contains acetaminophen or ibuprofen before taking additional doses of these medications- don’t double dose!

Treatment is available for those who are in high-risk groups or ill:

Antiviral drugs can be given to treat those who become seriously ill with influenza.  These medications must be prescribed by a doctor.  The drugs do not cure the flu, but do reduce the severity of the illness.  The drugs work best if given within two days of becoming ill, but may be given later if illness is severe, or for those at high risk of complications.

Persons at higher risk of complications include:

  • Pregnant women.
  • Children younger than age 5.
  • People of any age with chronic medical conditions (such as severe asthma, emphysema, diabetes or heart disease), and people who are immunosuppressed (e.g., taking immunosuppressant medications, infected with HIV).

Get medical care right away if you:

  • Have difficulty breathing or chest pain.
  • Have purple of blue discoloration of the lips.
  • Are vomiting repeatedly and unable to keep liquids down.
  • Have signs of dehydration such as dizziness when standing or absence of urination.
  • Feel confused.
  • Have symptoms that seem to get better, but then get worse again.

Avoid contact with others:

  • You may be ill for a week or more.  If your permanent home is nearby, consider returning home until you recover.
  • You should stay home or in your residence hall room and keep away from others as much as possible 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 fever-reducing medicine.)
  • Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth.
  • Wash your hands often with soap and water or alcohol hand sanitizer.
  • You may obtain a supply of surgical masks and disposable thermometers from your residence hall front desk.  The surgical masks are for you to wear to limit the spread of secretions.
  • If you leave your room or home, wear a facemask and cover your coughs and sneezes with a tissue or your sleeve.  If tolerable, wear a mask when you are with others.
  • If you live in a residence hall, notify your resident advisor.  Residence hall staff will help you find one or more volunteers willing to make meal deliveries to you.
  • Notify your instructors of your illness and absence by e-mail.  You will not need to see a doctor for documentation of illness and the Health Center will not be providing medical excuses.

If you are a roommate or friend of someone who is ill (or are a Caregiver*)

  • Avoid being face-to-face with the sick person and if feasible, sleep in a separate room from him or her.  (You can also talk with your Resident Director to see if there are other options available.).
  • Clean your hands frequently with soap and water or an alcohol hand sanitizer, especially after you touch the sick person or handle used tissues or laundry.
  • Linens, eating utensils, and dishes used by those who are sick do not need to be cleaned separately, but these items should not be shared without washing thoroughly first.

*If you are at high risk of complications from influenza, you should avoid being a caregiver.  Talk to your health care provider about taking antiviral medication to keep from getting flu.

For more information consult:  http://www.flu.gov, or contact the Ada B. Vielmetti Health Center at 227-2355.