Flu Season

Fall 2010-Spring 2011

Recent Reports

For the flu season (fall, 2010-Spring, 2011), cases of H3N2 and H1N1 flu have been reported statewide, nationally and worldwide.  For those who have received the seasonal flu shot since September 2010, the CDC reports that the good news is that both of the most prevalent strains were included in the vaccine, and assuming the patient was immunized two weeks before meaningful exposure, immunized people should have some immunologic protection from these above mentioned strains.  In the second week of February, 2011, the influenza surveillance network of the CDC reported a significant rise in the cases of flu. It is believed that the peak of cases has not yet occurred.  

 

Availability of Flu vaccine

If you are still healthy, and have not been immunized against influenza since September, 2010, BSU Health Services has vaccine available for $15 (cash or check with BSU ID).  Immunizations are given, Monday–Friday, 9:30-11:30am or 1:30-3:30.

 

Symptoms of Disease

Classic Symptoms of Influenza (seasonal and H1N1)

Key criteria:                             Fever over 100°F

At least one of the following:   Sore throat and/or Cough

Other possible additional symptoms

Nausea                                     Diarrhea

Vomiting                                  Tiredness

Body ache                                Stuffy or runny nose

 

What to Do If You Have Flu

If you are experiencing mild influenza-like illness (1) fever over 100 ° degrees, (2) sore throat or cough or both, ideally you should stay(or go) home and until your fever subsides for at least 24-hours without medication. 

For those students, with no local address, out of respect for roommates and the community, 1) go to Health Services, 2) while recuperating, do not leave your room, attend class, or go to the dining halls.  Arrange for a friend to bring your meals.  Keep hydrated, sanitize your hands, cover your cough to prevent the spread of illness and maintain a distance of 6 feet from your roommate. Do not return to classes until your fever is absent for 24-hours without medication.  

 

What about Academics?

Students, who are ill, should contact their professors immediately (by e-mail or phone) concerning their need to self-quarantine.

 

IF YOU HAVE DIFFICULTY BREATHING CALL 911

(GO TO THE HOSPITAL)!

               

Remember: PREVENTION IS THE BEST MEDICINE

1)            Wash or sanitize your hands often

2)            Cover your cough (ideally coughing into your shoulder)

3)            Know the symptoms of flu

4)            If you have flu-like symptoms, go home and stay there until you are free of  fever (without medication) for 24 hours.

5)            If your condition worsens: breathing difficulty, shortness of breath, pain inchest or abdomen, extreme dizziness, confusion or worsening of    

                symptoms,   CALL 911.

 

COMMON SENSE MEASURES:

·                     Monitor your own health.  Fever is a key symptom of the flu.  In addition,  feeling warm, chills, flushing of the face, unusual   

                      sweating may be indicators of fever.  If you are unsure whether or not you have a fever, go to Health Services.

·                     If you have mild flu, DO NOT GO to classes, to practice or gathering areas.  Instead, call (or e-mail) the people that you

                      need to inform/consult.  This will slow the spread of disease.

·                     Don’t touch your face or eyes

·                     Do not share drinks, utensils, clothing

 

Last Modified: February 14, 2012