Student Health Services - The University of Iowa

Influenza Information

Influenza has come to our campus! Fortunately, the vast majority of cases are mild and, at this point, the novel H1N1 virus appears no more virulent or severe than most seasonal influenzas. You should think about the virus as yet another strain of influenza and take the same basic approach that helps protect all of us during any seasonal influenza outbreak. We strongly recommend the campus community take the standard precautions adopted during the normal flu season and assist us in our public health prevention efforts. If you are sick with a flu-like illness, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) recommends that you stay home for at least 24 hours after your fever is gone, except to get medical care. (Your fever should be gone without the use of a fever-reducing medicine.) Keep away from others, as much as possible, to keep from making them sick.

H1N1 Flu Update:
The H1N1 vaccine is being distributed by the federal government, to the state health departments, then to the counties. The Johnson County Public Health Department is coordinating vaccine distribution in our county and has developed prioritization guidelines for H1N1 administration. These guidelines were developed by a medical and ethics committee with significant input from the UI. We will be following these guidelines and keeping you updated as vaccine supplies increase and distribution widens over the coming weeks/months. There is no charge for receiving and administering the H1N1 vaccine at the SHS. H1N1 vaccines for those in the priority groups are currently available on a walk-in basis, no appointment is needed.

 

Prevention

Flu viruses are spread mainly from person to person through coughing or sneezing by people with influenza. Sometimes, a person may become infected by touching something, such as a surface or object with flu viruses on it, and then touching his/her mouth or nose. It is important for all faculty, staff, and students to take the following flu/respiratory disease precautions. People with influenza can be contagious as much as one day before they have any symptoms.

  • Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it.
  • Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze. Alcohol-based hand cleaners are also effective.
  • Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs are spread in this manner.
  • Do not share food, drink, or utensils.
  • Do not share lip balm/chap stick.
  • Try to avoid close contact with sick people.
  • Frequently clean your living and working quarters. Frequently clean commonly-used surfaces such as doorknobs, refrigerator handles, remote controls, computer keyboards, countertops, faucet handles and bathroom areas.
  • Plan to monitor your health by checking your fever with a thermometer.

 

What should I do if I get sick?

Influenza symptoms include:

  • Fever (100° F [37.8°C]) or greater
  • Body aches
  • Runny or stuffy nose
  • Sore throat
  • Cough
  • Headache
  • Chills
  • Fatigue

**If you have the above symptoms and have any of the following, you should seek medical care:

  • are pregnant
  • diabetes
  • asthma
  • heart or lung problems
  • weakened immune system
  • cancer

If you have influenza symptoms and are otherwise healthy, you should stay home and avoid contact with other people. CDC recommends that you stay home for at least 24 hours after your fever is gone, except to get medical care. (Your fever should be gone without the use of a fever-reducing medicine.) Stay away from others as much as possible to keep from making others sick. Staying at home means that you should not leave your home, except to seek medical care. Avoid normal activities, including work, school, travel, shopping, social events, and public gatherings. In order to prevent the spread of disease, please do not come to class, meet with other groups, attend office hours, or contact offices in person while you are ill. Based on this recommendation, instructors will not require students to report to a doctor or to Student Health Service just to verify a flu-like illness if they are ill.

**If you live in the UI Residence Halls, University Housing has developed food service options for sick/isolated students. To request an Isolation Meal Pack, CLICK HERE

Students should complete an illness-absence form:

(http://www.registrar.uiowa.edu/Student/FormsforStudents/tabid/79/Default.aspx) when well enough to do so and return it to the instructor. Your grade will not be penalized for absences if you are following the recommendations of health authorities. However, students who miss class due to influenza will still be responsible for the entire semester’s material, and will ordinarily need to make up the work they have missed.

Treatment and Response

The majority of individuals who contract this virus will not need to seek a doctor's treatment. but we are available to take care of you at Student Health and will provide the medical care and advice that you need. Please call our Nurseline at 335-9704 if you are unsure whether or not you need to seek medical care. If you have been in contact with someone who has the flu, onset of the virus can take up to three days. If you experience any flu symptoms within this time period, please stay home to limit the spread of the virus. Students who are pregnant, or if you have a chronic medical condition such as diabetes, cancer, asthma, heart or lung problems, or a weakened immune system, you should consult with your physician or the UI Student Health Service. Contact our Nurse Line at 335-9704 for further guidance. When Student Health is closed, the Call Center at University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics (UIHC) can assist you. The UIHC Call Center is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and can be contacted by calling 319-384-8442.

Warning Signs and Symptoms

If you become ill and experience any of the following warning signs, seek emergency medical care by calling 911 or going to an emergency treatment center.

  • Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
  • Pain or pressure in the chest or abdomen
  • Sudden dizziness
  • Confusion
  • Severe or persistent vomiting, inability to take in fluids for more than 24 hours
  • Flu-like symptoms improve but then return with worse fever and cough

Medication and Vaccinations

Generally, antiviral medication is prescribed for individuals with the flu who are either hospitalized, have a chronic medical condition (as listed above, under Treatment and Response), or have a suppressed immune system. Antiviral medication for influenza is not a cure and only reduces symptoms and decreases length of recovery time by about 24 hours.

Analgesics:

Relieves aches & pains and reduces fever.

  • Acetaminophen 500mg (Tylenol): Take 1 tablets every 4 to 6 hours as needed. Do not exceed 8 tablets in 24 hours (Maximum of 4000mg per 24 hours)

  • Ibuprofen 200mg (Advil, Motrin): Take 1 to 2 tablets every 4 to 6 hours as needed. Do not exceed 6 tablets in 24 hours, unless directed by your  physician.

NOTE: To stay “ahead” of the fever it is ok to alternate Acetaminophen with Ibuprofen every 2 to 3 hours (For example: Acetaminophen at 10am then Ibuprofen at 1pm and repeat). Do not exceed maximum doses.

The following vaccinations are expected to be available Fall 2009:

  • Seasonal influenza vaccine : The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommend that everyone be vaccinated against seasonal influenza. We currently have a limited supply of seasonal FluMist available on a walk-in basis.
  • Novel H1N1 influenza vaccine: As supplies increase, we will be expanding out to other targeted groups on campus. Please continue to check this website for further information. If you have ANY questions, please contact the Student Health Service Nurse Line, at 319-335-9704 or email us at student-health@uiowa.edu.

Additional Information

If you have ANY questions, please contact the Student Health Service Nurse Line, at 319-335-9704 or email us at student-health@uiowa.edu.

Written: 9/01/09
Updated: 10/27/09