Miami's Response to H1N1
Flu Facts
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has made the following recommendations to reduce risk of developing the flu:
- Practice good hand hygiene.
Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after coughing or sneezing. Alcohol-based hand cleaners are also effective. - 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 your hands. - Avoid close contact with sick individuals as much as possible.
Roommates are considered close contacts more than classmates. - Frequently clean your living quarters.
If you live together with other students, you should frequently clean commonly used surfaces, such as doorknobs, refrigerator handles, remote controls, computer keyboards, countertops, faucet handles, and bathroom areas. - Monitor your health.
Be aware of how you're feeling by checking for fever and other flu symptoms. - Get vaccinated.
- The seasonal flu vaccine is now available for MU students at the Health Services Center by appointment (Tuesday through Thursday). The cost is $15 and may be paid with a credit card or billed to the student's bursar account. A Seasonal Flu Vaccination Event, serving students as well as faculty and staff, was held in September. Plans are being made for another Event in late October or early November.
- The H1N1 flu vaccine is expected to be available in mid-October. At that time, Student Health Services will conduct large vaccination programs for students. Check this website for updates.
If you are at higher risk for complications from flu, talk with your family physician or someone from Student Health Services. Your healthcare provider will determine whether flu testing or treatment is needed.
Several days of fever and respiratory difficulties (e.g., cough, runny nose, congestion) may indicate flu. Other symptoms include headaches and muscle and joint aches.
The following symptoms are warning signs that require urgent medical attention at the Health Services Center or the Emergency Room at Oxford's McCullough-Hyde Memorial Hospital:
- A temperature of 102º F or 38.8º C
- Flu symptoms that seem to get better but then suddenly become worse
- Vomiting and/or diarrhea
- Decreased desire or ability to take fluids
- Pain or pressure in the chest or abdomen
- Sudden dizziness
- Increased breathlessness or difficulty breathing*
- Mental confusion*
*Go to the Emergency Room if this symptom develops.
If you become ill, contact your family. If you become ill and have a history of asthma or any chronic respiratory disease, contact your medical specialist as well.
If you do experience symptoms, it is important that you follow the guidelines below. Prescription antiviral drugs may be given to treat those who become severely will with influenza; however, most people will recover without needing medical care.
- Stay home or at your place of residence.
Stay home for at least 24 hours after you no longer have a fever (100º F or 38º C) without the use of fever-reducing medications (ibuprofen or acetaminophen) or signs of a fever (chills, a very warm feeling, a flushed appearance or sweating). Staying away from others while sick can prevent others from getting sick too. Ask a roommate, friend, or family member to check up on you and to bring you food and supplies if needed.
- Take medications for symptom relief as needed.
You can take medications such as cough medicine, acetaminophen (Tylenol®), or ibuprofen (e.g., Advil®, Motrin®) if you need relief from fever or pain. These medications do not need to be taken regularly if your symptoms improve. Persons under 18 years of age should not take any aspirin products when they are ill, especially with flu.
For more on self-care for the H1N1 flu, see H1N1 Self-care Management (PDF 18KB).
Student Health Services
- 421 S. Campus Ave
Oxford, Ohio 45056
Phone: (513) 529-3000
Fax: (513) 529-1892 - Hours of
Operation:
8 am - 6 pm
Monday - Friday 