Frequently asked questions about the Swine Flu (H1N1)
- What is the H1N1 flu?
- How is H1N1 flu spread?
- How can I avoid catching or spreading H1N1 flu?
- What should I do if I come down with H1N1 flu?
- What if my roommate has H1N1 flu?
- How long does H1N1 flu last?
- How serious is H1N1 flu infection?
- Do I need to see a doctor if I think I have H1N1 flu?
- What are the warning signs that I might need urgent medical attention?
- Who should I call if I need medical attention?
- Should I get a flu shot?
- What do I do if I am feeling anxious about H1N1 flu?
- Are there recommended cleaning instructions to help prevent the spread of flu?
- If I have other questions about seasonal flu and H1N1 flu, whom should I contact?
- What can parents of college students do?
- What should I do if I am traveling or studying abroad?
What is the H1N1 flu?
This flu is a recurrence of what was less formally known as “swine flu” last spring.
Symptoms include
- fever
- sore throat
- body aches
- cough
- headache
- chills
- fatigue
- and occasional nausea and diarrhea
The illness typically takes one week or longer to completely run its course.
More information from the CDC
How is H1N1 flu spread?
H1N1 flu is contagious. It is caused by a virus that spreads from human to human, generally in the same way that seasonal flu spreads. Flu viruses are transmitted mainly through coughing or sneezing by people with influenza. Sometimes people may become infected by touching something – such as a surface or object – with flu viruses on it and then touching their mouth, eyes or nose.
People can spread the H1N1 virus before they develop flu-like symptoms, so take precautions even if you don’t think you (or anyone around you) are sick.
More information from the CDC
How can I avoid catching or spreading H1N1 flu?
A few simple precautionary measures can be very effective in protecting yourself or others from H1N1 flu:
- 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 (hand sanitizers) are also effective.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs are spread.
- Try to avoid close contact with individuals who are ill.
- 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.) Stay away from others as much as possible during this period to avoid making them sick.
More information from Flu.gov
What should I do if I come down with H1N1 flu?
- If it is possible to travel home where you can rest and recuperate with your family, consider doing so. However, if any of your family members have medical conditions that put them at increased risk of influenza complications please have them check with their medical providers for advice before you return home.
- Get lots of rest.
- Drink plenty of fluids.
- For relief of fever, medications such as acetaminophen (e.g., Tylenol) or ibuprofen (e.g., Advil, Motrin) may be used.
- Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when coughing or sneezing and discard the tissue appropriately.
- If you remain on campus, stay in your room or apartment as much as possible. Stay home from class, work, social gatherings, etc. Avoid contact with others until you are fever-free for 24 hours without assistance from fever-reducing medications. Until then you may still be contagious.
- Be sure to communicate promptly with your professors or supervisor if you are absent from class or work, respectively.
More information from the CDC
What if my roommate has H1N1 flu?
- Do your best to keep your distance.
- Do not share cups, glasses, cooking utensils, eating utensils, etc.
- Follow the preventive steps outlined above (wash hands, cover your cough).
- If available, and tolerable, it may be helpful if the sick individual wears a facemask to reduce the chance of spreading the virus to others.
- Be on guard for symptoms. Persons infected with H1N1 can spread the illness before they even know they are sick, so by the time your roommate becomes ill you may already have been exposed.
More information from the CDC
How long does H1N1 flu last?
H1N1 influenza typically takes about one week to run its course. Do not resume normal activities (class, work, etc.) until you are fever-free for 24 hours WITHOUT the aid of fever-reducing drugs like acetaminophen or ibuprofen. Until then you may still be contagious.
More information from the CDC
How serious is H1N1 flu infection?
Like seasonal flu, H1N1 flu in humans can vary in severity from mild to severe
More information from the CDC
Do I need to see a doctor if I think I have H1N1 flu?
- For most people, no. According to the Center for Disease Control, most people are no more likely to require medical attention due to a case of H1N1 flu than with any other flu.
- If you are part of a group at high risk of developing serious complications from seasonal influenza, yes. High risk groups include people of any age with chronic medical conditions (such as asthma, diabetes, or heart disease), pregnant women, children younger than 5 years old, persons over age 65, and individuals who are immunosuppressed.
- If you feel the need to contact a medical professional, call your healthcare provider. Students enrolled in classes on the DeKalb campus may call NIU Health Services at 815-753-1311. If it is an emergency (shortness of breath, difficulty breathing) call 911.
More information from the CDC
What are the warning signs that I might need urgent medical attention?
In adults, emergency warning signs that indicate a need for urgent medical attention include:
- Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
- Pain or pressure in the chest or abdomen
- Sudden dizziness
- Confusion
- Severe or persistent vomiting
- Flu-like symptoms that improve but then return with fever and worse cough
If you, or someone you are caring for, experience any of these symptoms seek medical attention at once.
More information from the CDC
Who should I call if I need medical attention?
If you are NOT experiencing any of the emergency warning signs above, but want to consult a physician about your symptoms, contact your private healthcare provider by phone rather than visiting in person. Students enrolled in classes on the DeKalb campus may call NIU Health Services at (815) 753-1311.
Should I get a flu shot?
- Yes. According to the CDC, you should consider receiving the seasonal flu vaccine as soon as it’s available this fall. In addition, you should plan to get the H1N1 vaccine (according to CDC recommendations below) as vaccine supplies permit. NIU Health Services will offer both the seasonal flu vaccine and the H1N1 vaccine to the extent of vaccine availability.
- At this time, the groups recommended by CDC to receive the H1N1 vaccine include:
- Pregnant women
- Household contacts and caregivers for children younger than 6 months of age
- Healthcare and emergency medical services personnel
- All people from 6 months through 24 years of age
- Persons aged 25 through 64 years who have health conditions associated with higher risk of medical complications from influenza
CDC may update these recommendations at any time based on H1N1 vaccine availability.
More information from the CDC
What do I do if I am feeling anxious about H1N1 flu?
Anxiety is a common reaction during times of increased stress. It is important that you take steps to manage your fears and keep a positive attitude. There are many things that you can do to cope with anxiety:
- Keep yourself informed with accurate information. Do not flood yourself with constant TV or news watching.
- Turn to your family, friends, and loved ones for support, and talk to them about your experiences and feelings.
- Recognize that what you are feeling is normal.
- Keep to your usual routine and find ways to relax and be kind to yourself.
- Avoid alcohol and drug use.
However, should you find that you are unable to manage your anxiety on your own, you may benefit from meeting with a trained mental health professional. You should also consider meeting with a trained mental health professional if you or a loved one is experiencing any one or more of these problems:
- Inability to return to normal routine
- Feeling extremely helpless or hopeless
- Having thoughts of hurting one’s self or others
- Using alcohol or drugs excessively
For assistance:
Students: Please contact the Counseling & Student Development Center at (815) 753-1206.
Faculty and Staff: Contact the Employee Assistance Program at (815) 753-9191.
For more information from the American Psychological Association
Are there recommended cleaning instructions to help prevent the spread of flu?
Daily cleaning of surfaces such as counter tops, computer keyboards, and phones may be accomplished using disinfectant wipes. Be sure to follow label instructions on wipes. Campus departments are able to order disinfectant wipes from Central Stores.
Keep in mind that washing your hands with soap and water is best. When it is not possible to wash, hand sanitizers (with at least 60% alcohol) may be used.
If I have other questions about seasonal flu and H1N1 flu, whom should I contact?
- If students have questions about class absences or other academic concerns, contact your professor directly or the related academic department office.
- If students or families have questions regarding on-campus housing, call 815-753-1525.
- If faculty or staff have questions about ordering cleaning supplies, email mcrase@niu.edu.
- If students have questions about the flu vaccine, please call Health Services at 815-753-1311.
- For other questions, please call the Student Affairs and Enrollment Management Office at 815-753-1573.
What can parents of college students do?
Talk to your student about the importance of prevention and encourage them to take seriously the following CDC recommendations:
- cover nose and mouth with a tissue or upper sleeve when coughing or sneezing to prevent germs from spreading
- wash hands thoroughly and frequently with soap and water (or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer)
- avoid touching face (eyes, nose, or mouth)
- provide your child with a thermometer so they can take their own temperature
- avoid close contact with individuals who are sick; try to maintain a distance of at least six feet
- Encourage your student to get vaccinated (for the seasonal and H1N1 flu).
- Encourage your student to routinely clean surfaces and items that are frequently touched, using a household disinfectant.
- Bring your student home from college and/or keep them home from classes while they are ill (until fever free for 24 hours without the use of fever-reducing medication).
Typical symptoms of the flu include a fever of 100 degrees or above, cough, and sore throat. Additional symptoms may include headache, chills, fatigue, and body aches.
For more information:
Whether you are studying abroad or traveling for pleasure, it is important to think about how the flu may impact your travel plans. The CDC provided helpful information for travels related to H1N1 and travel at: http://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/content/novel-h1n1-flu.aspx
Page updated 10/19/2009
