H1N1 Flu (Swine) Information

Student Health Service

White Dot

Updated 10/12/09

FIRST DOSES OF PANDEMIC H1N1 INFLUENZA VACCINE EXPECTED TO ARRIVE SOON

As the health center awaits the first allocation of pandemic H1N1 vaccine, please be advised that we have ordered the injectable version (“flu shot”) that uses an inactivated or “killed” virus. The health center will be able to offer these H1N1 flu shots to students/staff/faculty. Vaccine will initially be prioritized for five target groups who are at high risk for complications of the flu:

  • pregnant women
  • people who live with or care for children younger than 6 months
  • healthcare workers
  • persons between the ages of 6 months – 24 years
  • people from ages 25-64 who have chronic health disorders that put them at high risk for complications of the flu


According to Butte County Public Health, people over the age of 65 are not prioritized for pandemic H1N1 vaccine because very few people in that age group have come down with the new flu. It is thought that older people may have some partial immunity to this virus.

Please continue to practice prevention as stated below:

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends 4 main ways you may keep from getting sick with the flu:
1.    Practice good hand hygiene by washing your hands often with soap and water, especially after coughing or sneezing. Alcohol-based hand cleaners are also effective. To see more details click here.
2.    Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze.  If you don’t have a tissue, cough or sneeze into your elbow or shoulder; not into your hands. To see more detials click here.
3.    Stay home or at your place of residence if you are sick for at least 24 hours after you no longer have a fever (100 degrees Fahrenheit or 38 degrees Celsius) or signs of a fever (have chills, feel very warm, have a flushed appearance, or are sweating). This should be determined without the use of fever-reducing medications (any medicine that contains ibuprofen or acetaminophen). Staying away from others while sick can prevent others from getting sick too. Ask a roommate, friend, or family member to check up on you and to bring you food and supplies if needed. To see a comparison of Common Cold and Influenza Symptoms see the table below.
4.    Talk to your health care provider to find out if you should be vaccinated for seasonal flu and/or 2009 H1N1 flu. Information about 2009 H1N1 flu vaccination can be found at: www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/vaccination. Information about seasonal flu vaccine can be found at: www.cdc.gov/flu/protect/keyfacts.htm

HOW TO TELL THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN A COLD AND A FLU :

SYMPTOM COLD FLU
Fever Rare Usual; high (100-102 F)
Headache Rare Common
General Aches, Pains Slight Usual; often severe
Fatigue, Weakness Sometimes Usual; up to 2-3 weeks
Extreme Exhaustion Never Usual, at beginning
Stuffy Nose Common Sometimes
Sneezing Usual Sometimes
Sore Throat Common Sometimes
Chest Discomfort, Cough Mild-Moderate hacking cough Common, can be severe
Treatment Antihistamines, Decongestant Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory meds Antiviral medicines- See your doctor
Prevention Wash hands often. Avoid close contact- anyone with a cold Annual vaccination; antiviral medicines- See your doctor
Complications Sinus congestion, Middle ear infection, Asthma Bronchitis, Pneumonia; Can be life threatening

What to Do If You Get Flu-Like Symptoms

1. California Department of Public Health: 

http://www.cdph.ca.gov/Pages/default.aspx

2. Centers for Disease Control: 

http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1/

3. World Health Organization: 

http://www.who.int/csr/disease/swineflu/en/index.html

4. Butte County Public Health

http://www.buttecounty.net/publichealth/

5. Good Health Habits for Preventing Seasonal Flu

http://www.cdc.gov/flu/protect/habits/index.htm

6. H1N1 Influenza Vaccine and Pregnant Women

http://www.cdc.gov/H1N1flu/vaccination/pregnant_qa.htm