H1N1 Flu on Campuses
Although the immediate frenzy caused by H1N1 flu, or the "swine flu," has ceased, there is still reason for concern, according to the Centers for Disease Control. The population has little to no immunity to this virus and the CDC anticipates that illnesses may continue for some time.

However, campuses and communities are responding aggressively to the outbreak, through education campaigns, thoroughly cleaning public spaces and more. Public health advice encourages people to employ social distancing measures to halt the spread of H1N1, meaning that they should avoid crowds when ill by staying home for seven days after the onset of flu-like symptoms or until they've been symptom-free for 24 hours, whichever is longer.

Warning Signs
Some of the symptoms associated with the H1N1 flu are similar to seasonal flu: fever, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, body aches, headache, chills and fatigue. Others also report diarrhea and vomiting.

Emergency warning signs in adults that require 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 improve but then return with fever and worse cough
  

Emergency warning signs in children that require urgent medical attention include:

• Fast breathing or trouble breathing
  
• Bluish or gray skin color
  
• Not drinking enough fluids
  
• Severe or persistent vomiting
  
• Not waking up or not interacting
  
• Being so irritable that the child does not want to be held
  
• Flu-like symptoms improve but then return with fever and worse cough

If you have questions about the campus H1N1 response and plan, contact health services. We're working to keep students safe and healthy — and teaching them how to keep themselves healthy, too.

Facts & Figures
Worldwide, as of mid-May, 39 countries had reported 8,480 cases of H1N1 infection, with 66 deaths in Mexico, four in the U.S., one each in Canada and Costa Rica. Over 4,700 cases of H1N1 flu have been reported in the U.S. and 496 have been confirmed in Canada.

Steer Clear

• Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze
  
• Throw that tissue in the trash right away
  
• Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after coughing or sneezing
  
• Or use alcohol-based hand cleaners
  
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth, since germs spread this way
  
• Try to avoid close contact with sick people