Sunday, October 4, 2009
From the Director of Health and Wellness
To all students, staff & faculty:
From what we are seeing in the Health and Wellness Center,
the flu can start our with mild cold like-symptoms and then
progress to other more severe symptoms with or without fever
- or, it can hit you hard from the beginning starting with
cough & fever!
Per the CDC and Texas Department of State Health Services:
People may have only one or two symptoms besides the fever,
or they may have many. People can infect others with flu
even before they show symptoms (24 to 48 hours), and they
remain contagious for seven or more days after they become
sick.
Signs & symptoms of flu:
- cough
- sore throat
- runny or stuffy nose
- body aches and or headache
- fever {chills, hot & cold - may include chills &/or cold
sweats}
- exhaustion
- fatigue
- can include nausea, vomiting and or diarrhea
What to do if you have some of the above symptoms:
1. Notify Health & Wellness. Call 830-792-7279 (do not
e-mail) to talk with a nurse to review your symptoms & to
determine the need for medication. You do not have to go in
to the Health & Wellness Center to be seen as most people
with flu do not need medical treatment. People at risk
of complications from flu may be prescribed antiviral
medication. Antibiotics are not effective against viruses &
should not be requested.
2. Self isolate - this protect others - it's the right
thing to do!
Stay home if you get sick. Stay home from work, school,
errands, and limit close contact with others to keep from
infecting them. In most cases people with flu will get
better without medical attention.
- if it is inconvenient for you to go home, stay in your
room or apartment
- use a mask when answering the door & when someone is in
the room with you
- use hand washing precautions (or hand sanitizer when hand
washing is not convenient)
- wipe down shared faucet and bathroom fixtures, light
switches door knows, microwave & fridge handles, TV remotes,
etc. with sanitizer or Lysol type spray
- wait to be around people until your fever has been gone
for 24 hours without taking fever-reducing medications & you
no longer have a cough
- enlist a "flu buddy to bring food and or supplies to your
room when needed. If you need
- additional food supplies, contact Health & Wellness who
will alert Sodexo Dining Services to
- deliver a specially prepared "flu" food box contains six
meals, snacks & beverages) to your room. Accordingly, six
meals will be charged to your declining balance.
3. Notify your room mate or suite mates of your illness.
Remind to use hand washing precautions & practice social
distancing. If they wish to change rooms, they should
contact Jason Smith at 830-792-7280.
4. Notify your professors of your illness & to review
with them how to keep up with your studies.
The Health and Wellness Office, working through the
Registrar’s Office, will notify academic advisors when a
student has the flu or flu-like symptoms. The academic
advisor, serving as liaison between the student and his or
her faculty, will notify the faculty about the illness and,
in doing so, validate that the student has been advised by
Schreiner University to self-isolate.
A student who is advised to self-isolate has the
following responsibilities:
1) Contact professors by e-mail or telephone to communicate
your health status.
2) Request coursework, notes, etc. in order to stay as
up-to-date in each class as possible.
3) Submit coursework as possible through e-mail or
SchreinerOne while out of class.
4) Communicate with your academic advisor by e-mail or
telephone, letting the advisor know which—if any—faculty
have not responded to your e-mails & whether this illness
places you in jeopardy of successfully completing any
courses.
5) Communicate with your academic advisor when your fever
has broken for 24 hours that you are returning to your
classes.
5. Health & Wellness Instructions to help minimize your
symptoms while you are recuperating from the flu:
- push your fluids to maintain hydration Rationale: When you
are ill, you metabolize your bodily fluids and dehydrate
more frequently. Drink lots of water, Gatorade, PowerAde,
juice, etc. (avoid caffeinated beverages as these tend to
dehydrate you) (avoid milk products as this increase mucous
& sputum production) Warm or hot beverages usually cause
less coughing. Hot tea with honey & lemon will soothe & may
help heal your throat more quickly as honey is loaded with
antioxidants. You can just take a couple of teaspoons of
honey at any time! Recent studies indicate honey may help
decrease cough. Rationale: The faster your throat heals, the
faster the cough goes away.
- take ibuprophen (Motrin or Advil) for fever, headache &
discomfort, one tablet 4 times per day (mealtime and
bedtime). If one tablet does not control the fever, headache
or discomfort you may take two as directed on package (if
you are allergic to ibuprophen, substitute Tylenol, one
tablet 4 times per day as instructed above). When you have
had no fever for 24 hours without fever reducing medications
& you no longer are coughing, you may return to class, work
& or sports.
- take Claritin D 24 (generic is fine) once per day to help
shrink down your swollen membranes - throat, tonsils and
lymph nodes, etc. and dry you up your drainage. (do not take
if allergic to pseudophedrine HCL or loratidine)
- take Mucinex DM two times per day to help your body thin &
remove respiratory mucous. Rationale: Stagnant mucous
provides more fuel for infection. (do not take if allergic
to guaifenesen or dextromethorphan)
- gargle frequently with salt water (mix 1 tsp salt in 16 oz
bottle water & swish & gargle, to bath your throat with salt
water - like swimming in the ocean, things heal faster!). Do
not swallow.
- take Benadryl 25mg at night (capsule or tablet form) (diphenhydramine
HCl is generic name) If experiencing drainage that is
increasing cough at night, Benadryl will also allow you to
sleep better (do not take if allergic to diphenydramine HCL).
- use Vick's Vapor Rub (generic is fine) for chest
tightness. If necessary to consider using a vaporizer or
humidifier, contact Health & Wellness at 830-792-7279 to
review your symptoms.
Rationale: Difficulty breathing may warrant additional
medical treatment. Do not e-mail.
6. Who is at risk of complications of flu?
The following groups of people are at greater risk of
complications from H1N1 and seasonal flu:
- Children younger than 5 years old (under 2 years are
especially vulnerable)
- Pregnant women
- Adults and children with certain chronic medical
conditions including chronic lung problems such as asthma,
heart, liver, blood, nervous system, muscular, or metabolic
disorders such as diabetes
- Adults and children who have immunodeficiency or immuno-suppression,
including that caused by medications such as corticosteroids
and chemotherapy, or diseases such as HIV/AIDS
- Children ages 6 months to 18 years who are receiving
long-term aspirin therapy and who might be at risk for
experiencing Reye syndrome after influenza virus infection
- Persons 50 years old or older, particularly 65 years or
older
- People who live in settings such as nursing homes,
residential schools, and jails.
7. What are considered severe symptoms for Adults?
- Difficulty breathing
- Purple or blue discoloration of the lips
- Vomiting and unable to keep liquids down
- Signs of dehydration such as dizziness when standing,
absence of urination, or in infants, a lack of tears when
they cry
- Seizures or uncontrolled convulsions
- Loss of consciousness
- Alteration in thinking
Frequently Asked Questions - General Public
(provided by the Texas Department of State Health
Services)
(Revised 8/9/2009)
This information will be updated as the situation evolves.
Any references in this document to H1N1 refer to the novel
H1N1 virus.
Q. What is the difference between seasonal flu and this
new strain of H1N1?
A: Seasonal flu viruses have been circulating in human
populations for several seasons, allowing people to build up
immunities to them. Most people do not yet have immunity to
the new strain of H1N1 flu. A vaccine is available to
prevent seasonal flu. A vaccine for novel H1N1 flu is being
developed and is expected to be available this fall.
Q. What is a flu pandemic?
A: A flu pandemic occurs when a new flu virus emerges that
can infect and be easily spread among individuals because
they do not have immunity. In a pandemic, people in a very
large geographic area are affected. The extent and severity
of a pandemic depends on the specific virus. So far, the
novel H1N1 virus has not been especially severe.
Q. What can the public do to get prepared in case there is a
flu pandemic?
A: It’s important to be prepared for emergencies – including
flu pandemics – that may disrupt commercial and community
activities. Everyone should have an emergency plan and a
disaster supplies kit with enough food and water to last for
several days or up to two weeks. For information on
emergency planning for families, visit
www.TexasPrepares.org (English) or
www.TexasPrepara.org (Spanish). Getting seasonal flu
vaccine this fall is very important. Getting the novel H1N1
vaccine when it is available will also be important.
Q. What is novel H1N1 Flu (swine flu) and how is it
transmitted?
A: The respiratory virus that is currently circulating in
the United States is passed from person to person without
contact with pigs. The name now being used is novel H1N1
flu. Novel H1N1 flu is a respiratory illness thought to
spread in the same way that seasonal flu is spread, which is
through people infected with the virus who are coughing or
sneezing. It can be spread by touching something with flu
viruses on it, such as a tissue or a door knob, and then
touching your mouth, eyes, or nose.
Q. How can I avoid getting infected?
A: You can protect yourself from the H1N1 flu by washing
your hands frequently with soap and warm water. You also can
use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer. You should also avoid
touching your eyes, nose, or mouth. Stay away from people
who are sick (especially if they have fever, cough and a
sore throat). Get plenty of sleep, exercise regularly,
manage stress, drink plenty of fluids, and eat nutritious
foods.
Q. What are the symptoms of H1N1 flu?
A: Almost all people in Texas with confirmed novel H1N1 flu
have had a sudden onset of fever (half having a temperature
greater than 102.5oF) and cough. Most have had a sore
throat. Almost everyone with H1N1 flu has been taken care of
at home and recovered in a few days. Illnesses with a lot of
nasal congestion and mild fever are probably not H1N1 flu.
Illnesses with diarrhea and vomiting are probably not H1N1
flu, although some with a confirmed case of H1N1 have had
such symptoms. Other symptoms may include runny nose,
body aches, headache, chills, and fatigue. People may have
only one or two symptoms besides the fever, or they may have
many. People can infect others with the H1N1 flu even before
they show symptoms, and they remain contagious for seven or
more days after they become sick.
Q. What do I do if I have these symptoms?
A: Stay home if you get sick. Stay home from work, school,
errands, and limit close contact with others to keep from
infecting them. In most cases people with H1N1 flu will get
better without medical attention. If you have been diagnosed
with H1N1, stay home while you have symptoms. Wait to be
around people until your fever has been gone for 24 hours
without taking fever-reducing medications. If you work in a
hospital or other healthcare setting around people at high
risk of complications from flu, stay home for 7 days after
symptoms began or until your symptoms are gone, whichever is
longer.
If you are at risk for complications of influenza, call your
health care provider. Follow your provider’s advice. Most
people with nasal congestion and mild fever don’t have H1N1
flu.
If you have mild symptoms, do not call your health care
provider or visit the hospital emergency room. Get plenty of
rest, drink fluids, take fever reducing medications if
needed.
WARNING: DO NOT
give aspirin or aspirin-containing medications to
children and youth 18 years and younger.
Q. Who is at risk of complications of flu?
A: The following groups of people are at greater risk of
complications from H1N1 and seasonal flu:
- Children younger than 5 years old (under 2 years are
especially vulnerable)
- Pregnant women
- Adults and children with certain chronic medical
conditions including chronic lung problems such as asthma,
heart, liver, blood, nervous system, muscular, or metabolic
disorders such as diabetes
- Adults and children who have immunodeficiency or immuno-suppression,
including that caused by medications such as corticosteroids
and chemotherapy, or diseases such as HIV/AIDS
- Children ages 6 months to 18 years who are receiving
long-term aspirin therapy and who might be at risk for
experiencing Reye syndrome after influenza virus infection
- Persons 50 years old or older, particularly 65 years or
older
- People who live in settings such as nursing homes,
residential schools, and jails.
Q. What are considered severe symptoms?
A: For Adults:
- Difficulty breathing
- Purple or blue discoloration of the lips
- Vomiting and unable to keep liquids down
- Signs of dehydration such as dizziness when standing,
absence of urination, or in infants, a lack of tears when
they cry
- Seizures or uncontrolled convulsions
- Loss of consciousness
- Alteration in thinking
For Children:
- Fast breathing or trouble breathing
- Bluish or gray skin color
- Not drinking enough fluids
- Not waking up or not interacting
- Being so irritable that the child does not want to be held
- Flu-like symptoms that improve then return with fever and
worse cough
- Fever with a rash
IF SEVERE SYMPTOMS DEVELOP, CALL YOUR HEALTH CARE
PROVIDER. IF THE HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IS NOT AVAILABLE, GO TO
THE EMERGENCY ROOM.
Q. Should I be tested for H1N1 flu?
A: Your health care provider will make the decision as to
whether you should be tested. Most people do not need to be
tested. It will not make a difference in how a person’s
illness is treated.
Q. Is there a vaccine for H1N1 flu?
A: There is a vaccine under development for H1N1 flu that is
expected to be available later in the fall. The seasonal flu
vaccine does not provide protection against H1N1 flu but is
important in protecting you from other flu viruses that can
make you as sick or sicker. This makes ordinary precautions
such as covering coughs and sneezes and washing hands even
more important. It’s also important to be up to date on your
other vaccinations, such as TdaP (tetanus/pertussis/diphtheria
and Pneumococcal vaccines, to avoid getting infected with
more than one germ at once.
Q. If I experience flu symptoms, do I need medication?
A: Call your health care provider about the need for
medication. People at risk of complications from flu may be
prescribed antiviral medication. Antibiotics are not
effective against viruses and should not be requested. Most
people will need only fever-reducing medications such as
acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen.
WARNING: DO NOT give
aspirin or aspirin-containing medications to children and
youth 18 years and younger.
Q. Is there a place to go for free treatment?
A: If you have symptoms of influenza, seek medical care as
you usually do. If you normally receive your care free,
treatment will be free. If you have insurance, insurance
will cover the cost of care as usual. Call 2-1-1 for
information about possible resources in your community.
Q. How do you prevent the spread of H1N1 flu?
A: If you are sick, stay home unless you have a doctor’s
appointment. Avoid being around other people because you can
give the illness to others. Cover your mouth and nose with a
tissue when you cough or sneeze and then throw the tissue
away. Or cough and sneeze into your sleeve. Wash your hands
frequently with soap and water or use hand sanitizer. Be
sure to do this after coughing or sneezing.
Q. What should I do if someone I live with is sick with
flu-like symptoms?
A: When providing care to a household member who is sick
with influenza, protect yourself and others by:
- Keeping the sick person away from other people as much as
possible
- Reminding the sick person to cover their coughs, and clean
their hands with soap and water or an alcohol-based hand rub
often, especially after coughing and/or sneezing.
- Reminding everyone in the household to clean their hands
often, using soap and water or an alcohol-based hand rub
- Asking your healthcare provider if household contacts of
the sick person – particularly those contacts who may have
chronic health conditions – should take antiviral
medications such as oseltamivir (Tamiflu®) or zanamivir (Relenza®)
to prevent the flu.
- Additional details on caring for a sick person such as
laundry, cleaning and having visitors are available at the
CDC H1N1 flu Web site:
www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/guidance_homecare.htm
Q. What should I do if someone I live with has confirmed
H1N1 flu?
A: Precautions are the same as above.
Q. Can you expect more cases to be reported?
A: Yes. The virus has been found across the United States
and in many other countries. We expect that novel H1N1 will
be one of the viruses that circulates widely this flu season
(usually October to May) along with other seasonal flu
viruses. Texas will likely have millions of cases of
influenza, and many of those will be caused by novel H1N1
virus.
Q. Will schools be closed if a lot of children start
getting sick?
A: The CDC has announced that they are no longer
recommending that schools close. If the situation changes,
local independent school districts will notify parents,
students, and teachers through the local news media, just as
they do for weather closures.
Q. If they close the schools, can my children play with
other kids?
A: Students should not be around each other when schools are
closed or they may catch the flu from their friends.
Q. I work with the elderly; should I continue to work
with them?
A: Anyone with symptoms of a respiratory illness should stay
home and avoid close contact with others. Consult your
employer for employment specific policy.
Q. If we have traveled outside the United States
recently, what should we do?
A: Take the same precautions to prevent illness as
recommended for those who have not left the country. Get
your seasonal flu vaccination as soon as possible and, when
available, a novel H1N1 flu vaccination. Be sure you are up
to date on other vaccines too.
Practice good hand washing technique, use alcohol-based hand
sanitizers frequently, and sneeze or cough into a tissue or
your sleeve.
If you become ill and you are at risk for complications of
influenza (see complications above), call your doctor or
health care provider.
Q. How do we get more information/updates?
A: Continue to monitor the Department of State Health
Services website
www.texasflu.org for information, the Centers for
Disease Control and Prevention website
www.cdc.gov
and your local news.
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