Influenza Information
Click here for the H1N1 vaccine information sheet.
Influenza has come to our community! Fortunately, the vast majority of cases are mild and, at this point, the novel H1N1 virus appears no more virulent or severe than most seasonal influenzas. You should think about the virus as yet another strain of influenza and take the same basic approach that helps protect all of us during any seasonal influenza outbreak. We strongly recommend the community take the standard precautions adopted during the normal flu season and assist us in our public health prevention efforts. If you are sick with a flu-like illness, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) recommends that you stay home for at least 24 hours after your fever is gone, except to get medical care. (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 them sick.
Prevention
Flu viruses are spread mainly from person to person through coughing or sneezing by people with influenza. Sometimes, a person may become infected by touching something, such as a surface or object with flu viruses on it, and then touching his/her mouth or nose. It is important for all faculty, staff, and students to take the following flu/respiratory disease precautions. People with influenza can be contagious as much as one day before they have any symptoms.
• 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 are spread in this manner.
• Do not share food, drink, or utensils.
• Do not share lip balm/chap stick.
• Try to avoid close contact with sick people.
• Frequently clean your living and working quarters. Frequently clean commonly-used surfaces such as doorknobs, refrigerator handles, remote controls, computer keyboards, countertops, faucet handles and bathroom areas.
• Plan to monitor your health by checking your fever with a thermometer.
What should I do if I get sick?
Influenza symptoms include: 
• Fever (100° F [37.8°C]) or greater
• Body aches
• Runny or stuffy nose
• Sore throat
• Cough
• Headache
• Chills
• Fatigue
**If you have the above symptoms and have any of the following, you should seek medical care:
• diabetes
• asthma
• heart or lung problems
• weakened immune system
• cancer
• are pregnant
If you have influenza symptoms and are otherwise healthy, you should stay home and avoid contact with other people. CDC recommends that you stay home for at least 24 hours after your fever is gone, except to get medical care. (Your fever should be gone without the use of a fever-reducing medicine.) Stay away from others as much as possible to keep from making others sick. Staying at home means that you should not leave your home, except to seek medical care. Avoid normal activities, including work, school, travel, shopping, social events, and public gatherings. In order to prevent the spread of disease, please do not come to class, meet with other groups, attend office hours, or contact offices in person while you are ill.
Treatment and Response
The majority of individuals who contract this virus will not need to seek a doctor's treatment. If you have been in contact with someone who has the flu, onset of the virus can take up to three days. If you experience any flu symptoms within this time period, please stay home to limit the spread of the virus.
Warning Signs and Symptoms
If you become ill and experience any of the following warning signs, seek emergency medical care by calling 911 or going to an emergency treatment center.
• Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
• Pain or pressure in the chest or abdomen
• Sudden dizziness
• Confusion
• Severe or persistent vomiting, inability to take in fluids for more than 24 hours
• Flu-like symptoms improve but then return with worse fever and cough
Medication and Vaccinations
Generally, antiviral medication is prescribed for individuals with the flu who are either hospitalized, have a chronic medical condition (as listed above, under Treatment and Response), or have a suppressed immune system. Antiviral medication for influenza is not a cure and only reduces symptoms and decreases length of recovery time by about 24 hours.
Analgesics:
Relieves aches & pains and reduces fever.
• Acetaminophen 500mg (Tylenol): Take 1 tablets every 4 to 6 hours as needed. Do not exceed 8 tablets in 24 hours (Maximum of 4000mg per 24 hours)
• Ibuprofen 200mg (Advil, Motrin): Take 1 to 2 tablets every 4 to 6 hours as needed. Do not exceed 6 tablets in 24 hours, unless directed by your physician.
NOTE: To stay “ahead” of the fever it is ok to alternate Acetaminophen with Ibuprofen every 2 to 3 hours (For example: Acetaminophen at 10am then Ibuprofen at 1pm and repeat). Do not exceed maximum doses.
The following vaccinations are expected to be available Fall 2009:
• Seasonal influenza vaccine: The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommend that everyone be vaccinated against seasonal influenza. We have been administering the seasonal influenza vaccine since early September, and are temporarily out of the injectable influenza vaccine and the intranasal vaccine (FluMist), due to a phased shipment schedule from the manufacturer. We expect to receive more doses of both vaccines in late October or early November.
• Novel H1N1 influenza vaccine: Recent recommendations from the CDC have placed individuals under age 24 among the top priority groups for receiving the novel H1N1 influenza vaccine. This vaccine is not yet available. More information will be available in the coming weeks regarding this vaccine.
Additional Information
• Centers for Disease Control
• Iowa Department of Health
