H1N1 Flu (Swine) Information
Student Health Service
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: The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends 4 main ways you may keep from getting sick with the flu: http://www.cdph.ca.gov/Pages/default.aspx http://www.who.int/csr/disease/swineflu/en/index.html http://www.buttecounty.net/publichealth/ http://www.cdc.gov/flu/protect/habits/index.htm http://www.cdc.gov/H1N1flu/vaccination/pregnant_qa.htm
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:
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.htmHOW 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:
2. Centers for Disease Control:
3. World Health Organization:
4. Butte County Public Health
5. Good Health Habits for Preventing Seasonal Flu
6. H1N1 Influenza Vaccine and Pregnant Women