1、Flu-Like Illness What is seasonal flu?The flu (influenza) is an infection of the nose, throat, and lungs that is caused by influenza virus. The flu can spread from person to person. Most people with flu are sick for about a week, but then feel better. However, some people (especially young children,
2、 pregnant women, older people, and people with chronic health problems) can get very sick and some can die.What isH1N1? Novel H1N1 flu is a new influenza virus that is spreading worldwide among people. This new virus was called “swine flu” at first because it has pieces of flu viruses found in pigs
3、in the past. However, novel H1N1 virus has not been detected in U.S. pigs.What are the symptoms of seasonal flu and H1N1? Symptoms of seasonal flu and novel H1N1 flu include: fever (greater than 100F / 38C) cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, body aches, headache, chills and fatigue. Some peop
4、le also may have vomiting and diarrhea.If you become ill and experience any of the following warning signs, seek emergency medical care immediately:Difficulty breathing or shortness of breathFever and shaking chills Bluish or gray skin color Not drinking enough fluids Severe or persistent vomiting F
5、lu-like symptoms improve, but then return with fever and worse coughPain or pressure in the chest or abdomenSudden dizziness ConfusionIrritabilityLethargy or not waking upFlu-like symptoms improve, but then return with fever and worse coughHow does the flu spread?People that have the flu usually cou
6、gh, sneeze and have a runny nose. This makes droplets with virus in them. Other people can get the flu by breathing in these droplets, getting them in their nose or mouth, or touching contaminated surfaces.Healthy adults may be able to spread the flu from 1 day before getting sick to up to 5 days af
7、ter getting sick. This can be longer in children and in people who dont fight disease as well (people with weakened immune systems).Should I go to school or work if my roommate is sick? Students who are well but who have an ill person at home with flu-like symptom can go to school and work as usual.
8、 These people should monitor their health every day, and take everyday precautions including washing their hands often with soap and water, especially after they cough or sneeze. Alcohol-based hand cleaners are also effective. If they become ill, they should notify their professors and/or supervisor
9、s and stay home. Those who have an underlying medical condition (see above) or who are pregnant should call their health care provider for advice because they might need to receive influenza antiviral drugs.STUDENT HEALTH SERVICESFrequently Asked QuestionsI have flu-like symptoms. Should I go see a
10、doctor?Yes, you need to see a medical provider if you have a chronic medical condition.Please call a nurse at (319) 895-4292 to obtain an appointment if you have any of the following conditions: PregnancyImmunosuppression due to HIV/AIDS, chemotherapy, cancer, chronic steroid useAsthma or chronic pu
11、lmonary disease (e.g. cystic fibrosis)Cardiovascular disease (e.g. congenital heart disease)Chronic renal or hepatic disease (e.g. nephritis, dialysis, chronic hepatitis)Neuromuscular disorders (e.g. multiple sclerosis, cerebral palsy)Diabetes, adrenal insufficiency (e.g. .Addisons disease)Hematolog
12、ic disorders (e.g. platelet and clotting disorders)Chronic rheumatologic disorder (e.g. lupus, rheumatoid arthritis)Gastrointestinal disease (e.g. Crohns, ulcerative colitis)If your flu-like symptoms improve but then return with fever and worse cough, call Student Health Services or your medical pro
13、vider immediately. No, you do not need to see a doctor if your symptoms are mild and you do not have any underlying conditions. Instead, call (319)895-4292 and talk with a nurse. The nurse will assist you with home care instructions, isolation and answer your questions. Is there medicine to treat th
14、e flu?For most healthy adults, medication is not generally prescribed, but antiviral drugs are available that can teat both seasonal flu and H1N1. These drugs can make people feel better and get better sooner. But they need to be prescribed by a doctor and they work best when started during the firs
15、t 2 days of illness The priority use for these drugs is to treat people who require hospitalization or have a medical condition that puts them at high risk of serious flu complications. I think I had the flu and feel better now. Can I go back to class and work? Persons should stay at home and avoid
16、contact with others for at least 24 hours after their fever is gone (without using any fever reducing medication). Staying at home means that you should not leave your home except to seek medical care. This means avoiding normal activities, including work, school, travel, shopping, social events, an
17、d public gatherings. This is an extremely important public health measure that will help limit the spread of the flu virus. Should I get vaccinated for seasonal flu and H1N1?The Center for Disease Control recommends a yearly seasonal flu vaccine as the first and most important step in protecting aga
18、inst seasonal flu. The seasonal flu vaccine protects against the three seasonal viruses that research suggests will be most common. A seasonal vaccine will not protect you against H1N1. A vaccine against H1N1 flu is being produced and will be available in the coming months as an option for the prevention of the new H1N1 flu. Where can I get more information?Cornell Collegewww.cornellcollege.edu/student-healthOther Useful Websiteswww.flu.govwww.who.int
