H1N1 Information

Below you will find information about the H1N1 flu pandemic along with some simple preparations and precautions that you should follow. 

Prevention

There are important measures you can take to reduce your chance of becoming ill or transmitting the virus.  These simple precautions include:

• Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth.
• Avoid close contact with people who are ill.
• Wash your hands frequently with soap and water or alcohol hand sanitizer.
• Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue or your sleeve when you sneeze or cough, and wash your hands immediately.

If you become ill

The symptoms of H1N1 flu are a fever above 100.4°F, chills, cough, sore throat and often headache, body ache, fatigue, runny nose, vomiting and diarrhea.  If you suspect you have flu:

• Please stay home from school and work until you have been fever-free for twenty four hours.
• If you live in a residence hall, notify your resident adviser:  housing staff will help make arrangements for meal deliveries and provide information to you and your roommate.
• When you will miss class, notify your instructor.

Treatment

Most people who become ill will suffer mild to moderate symptoms for several days and recover fully in about a week.  Most who become ill will not need to see a physician and can consult http://www.flu.gov for treatment advice.  Ill persons may also consult with the staff of the Ada B. Vielmetti Health Center at 227-2355.  Those who need physician care will be seen promptly.  Warning signs of complications that may require treatment are chest pain, difficulty breathing, severe or persistent vomiting, confusion, sudden dizziness, or flu-like symptoms that improve but then return with fever and a worse cough.

Certain persons are at higher risk of suffering complications of flu and should immediately consult the Health Center or their personal physician if they suspect they are ill, to determine the need for antiviral medications.   These include pregnant women, people with diabetes, severe asthma or emphysema, heart conditions, and people who are immunosuppressed (e.g., taking immunosuppressive medications, infected with HIV).

Immunization

A H1N1 influenza vaccine is expected to become available later in the fall and will be offered to NMU students and staff at no charge.  All members of the NMU campus community are encouraged to also obtain the usual seasonal flu shot which will be available in September and October.  You will receive messages when dates for flu shot clinics are scheduled.

Additional Information

Extensive information on H1N1 influenza can be found at http://www.flu.gov.   Students, staff and parents with questions may contact Dr. Schacht at 227-2355 or tschacht@nmu.edu.  Thank you for taking the precautionary measures described above, and best wishes as we enter the 2009-10 academic year.