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Student Health Center

Swine Flu

 

 

 

 

H1N1 (Swine Flu) News- updated 11/9/09

 

We continue to see and receive reports of ongoing influenza like illness on campus.  At this time, there is no estimated time of arrival for our H1N1 vaccine supply.  We will be hosting H1N1 flu shot clinics once our shipment arrives.

 

PREVENTION

Practice Respiratory Etiquette:

Respiratory etiquette is the single most effective way to prevent spread of the H1N1 virus:
    • Cover your cough/sneeze with your elbow or tissue, immediately throw tissue away and wash hands
    • Wash hands for 20 seconds with warm, soapy water or use instant hand sanitizer

Habits that will help minimize the risk of becoming sick:

    • Avoid close face-to-face contact with persons who are ill
    • Avoid touching eyes, nose, or mouth
    • Get adequate sleep every night (7 – 9 hours)
    • Do not share cups, makeup, eating utensils, lip balm, or water bottles with anyone
    • Get your seasonal flu vaccine, and when available, the H1N1 vaccine

 

SYMPTOMS

 

The symptoms of the H1N1 flu are similar to the seasonal flu we see every winter.  These symptoms include:

  •         Fever- usually greater than 100 degrees
  •         Congestion
  •         Cough/Sore throat
  •         Fatigue/Body Aches
  •         Headache
  •         Some people have reported vomiting and diarrhea with this strain

 

The CDC recommends that ill individuals presenting with these symptoms self-isolate in their homes or dorm rooms and not attend class or work until 24 hours after their fever is gone (without the help of medicines such as Tylenol or Ibuprofen.)

 

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) along with the El Paso County Department of Health and Environment (EPCDHE) are recommending that students of college age receive the H1N1 vaccine that is currently under development; this vaccine will hopefully be available sometime in November or December.  UCCS is working closely with these agencies to determine how and when this vaccine will be distributed.  The CDC and EPCDHE are also recommending that everyone receive the seasonal flu vaccine that is produced every year. The UCCS Student Health Center currently has at limited supply of seasonal flu shots.  Appointments to receive this shot can be made by calling 719-255-4444.

 

IF YOU BECOME ILL

 

If you have a fever along with any other symptoms listed above, you should call the Student Health Center at 719-255-4444 (x 4444 from an on-campus phone).  Staff will determine if you need to come in for further evaluation, or if you should remain at home or in your dorm room and rest.  Based on recommendations from the CDC and EPCDHE, the Student Health Center will not be testing specifically for H1N1 flu or prescribing medications unless certain limited medical criteria are met.

 

When possible, housing students should attempt to return home to rest.  If you must remain in housing and have a meal plan, you will be provided with food and drink from Dining Services.  You can contact the Office of Residence Life and Housing at 719-255-4042 (x 4042 from an on-campus phone) to arrange for meal delivery or other assistance.  All students who self-isolate in housing will be provided with:

  •        Disposable thermometers
  •        Masks to prevent the spread of infection
  •        Basic monitoring by staff from Residence Life and the Student Health Center
  •        Instructions on disinfecting living areas

 

Students will be asked to self-isolate (remain home or in their rooms and not attend class) until 24 hours after their fever is gone.  You will also need to thoroughly disinfect your room and common area once you feel better.   

 

TREATMENT

 

Self-care treatment includes:

  • Fever-reducing medication such as Tylenol or Advil
  • Fluids
  • Rest    

The UCCS Student Health Center will consider only people in at-risk populations as potential recipients of anti-viral medications such as Tamiflu as recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

 

MISSING CLASSES

 

If you will be missing classes due to influenza-like illness (as recommended by the CDC), you should contact your instructors to notify them of your illness at your earliest convenience. It is imperative that ill students not attend class to prevent the spread of infection! Instructors have been strongly encouraged to adjust their attendance and makeup policies accordingly.  

 

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES

 

www.cdc.gov

http://www.cdphe.state.co.us/epr/h1n1.html

http://www.flu.gov/