H1N1, Seasonal Flu and Cold Prevention, Treatment and Resources
"Get Ready" Flu and Cold Prevention
Boise State is taking steps to prevent the spread of flu at Boise State, while working closely with the Central District Health Department to monitor flu conditions.
Here are some things you can do to stay healthy and prevent the spread of colds and flu:
Practice good hand hygiene. Wash your hands with warm, soapy water for 20-30 seconds, especially after coughing or sneezing. Alcohol-based hand cleaners also are effective.
Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs spread this way.
Perform routine cleaning. Studies have shown that the flu virus can survive on environmental surfaces and can infect a person for 2 to 8 hours after being deposited on the surface. Clean items and surfaces likely to have frequent hand contact like door knobs, phones, keyboards, counters, desks, remote controls, refrigerator handles, etc. with cleaning agents typically used to wash these items.
Engage in immune boosting strategies:
* Sleep Hygiene - 7 to 8 hours of sleep is optimal.
* Stress Management - Deep breathing and relaxation techniques can be helpful in managing stress. Chronic stress can make you more inclined to colds and/or the
flu.
* Physical Activity - Aerobic exercise 3-5 times a week builds long-term immunity against viruses.
* Healthy Diet - Includes 5 for more fruits and vegetables a day, as well as whole grains and healthy sources of fat and protein.
Know the signs and symptoms of the flu.
In general, the flu is worse than the common cold, and symptoms such as fever, chills, body aches, extreme tiredness and dry cough are more common and intense. Colds are usually milder than the flu. People with colds are more likely to have a runny or stuffy nose. Colds generally do not lead to more serious health problems, such as pneumonia, bacterial infections or hospitalizations, but the flu can.
H1N1(swine flu) is a new flu virus causing illness in people. This virus is spreading from person-to-person worldwide, probably in much the same way that regular seasonal flu viruses spread.
The symptoms of H1N1 flu virus in people include fever, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, body aches, headache, chills and fatigue. A significant number of people who have been infected with this virus also have reported diarrhea and vomiting.
For more information: www.cdc.gov/flu/symptoms.htm and www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/qa.htm
In general, most people who get H1N1 or the seasonal flu do not need to seek medical treatment. The self care information below will help you decide if you need to see your health care provider, if you have symptoms.
Self Assessment for Respiratory IllnessesDecide whether you should be vaccinated for seasonal flu and H1N1 flu.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention does not anticipate a shortage of the H1N1 vaccination; however, first priority for administering the vaccine will be given to those at higher risk for flu complications from 2009 H1N1 flu. This population includes: (1) pregnant women, (2) people who live with or care for children younger than 6 months of age, (3) healthcare and emergency medical services personnel, (4) persons between the ages of 6 months and 24 years old and (4) people ages of 25 through 64 years of ;age who are at higher risk for 2009 H1N1 because of chronic health disorders or compromised immune systems.
For more information, to help you make your vaccination decisions:
www.cdc.gov/flu/protect/keyfacts.htm and www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/vaccination/
Seasonal flu vaccinations are available. For Boise State vaccination clinic information: www.boisestate.edu/healthservices/events
H1N1 vaccination clinics for Boise State students and employees will be advertised ;when the vaccines become available.
Practice respiratory etiquette.
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.
Stay home if you have flu or flu-like illness 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). Don't go to class or work; socially distance yourself from others. Ask a roommate or friend to check up on you and to bring you food and supplies, if needed.
Home Flu and Cold Care
Ibuprofen or acetaminophen - Take to reduce fever and relieve body aches.
Antiviral Medication – Antibiotics won't work, but antiviral medication may help for the flu only, but only when given within 48 hours of the onset of symptoms. Ask your doctor if this therapy might benefit you.
Sponge Bath - A cool, sponge bath (in water, not rubbing alcohol) may reduce fever symptoms.
Avoid Smoking and Alcohol Use - Smoking only increases the damage done to your lungs by the virus. Alcohol dehydrates the body.
Sleep- Get enough sleep to feel completely rested.
Sooth Sore Throat - Gargle warm salt water (1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon salt in 8 ounces of water).
Decongest - Use camphor or menthol rubs to clear nasal passages. Inhale - Breathe the steam from hot beverages, also take deep breaths when in the shower.
Remember…
Stay home if you have flu or flu-like illness 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). Don’t go to class or work; socially distance yourself from others. Ask a roommate or friend to check up on you and to bring you food and supplies, if needed.
Special populations should check in with their health care provider. Serious illness from the flu is more likely in certain groups of people including people 65 and older, children under five, pregnant women and people with certain chronic health disorders or compromised immune systems.
Wear a facemask – if available and tolerable – when sharing common spaces with other household members to help prevent spreading the virus to others. This is especially important if other household members are at high risk for complications from the flu.
Practice respiratory etiquette. 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.
Be watchful for emergency warning signs (see below) that might indicate you need to seek medical attention for the seasonal flu or H1N1 flu.
I Have the Flu. What's a Boise State student to do?
For more information: www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/guidance_homecare.htm and www.cdc.gov/flu/takingcare.htm
Seek Medical Attention When...Emergency Warning Signs
If you become ill and experience any of the following warning signs, seek emergency medical care.
In adults, emergency warning signs that need urgent medical attention include:
Self Assessment for Respiratory Illnesses
Resources
Central District Health Department – www.cdhd.idaho.gov/
Idaho Public Health Association - www.ipha.wildapricot.org/
Community H1N1 Link
