H1N1 and Seasonal Influenza

Prevention Tips

Prevent spreading influenza

Clean your hands often with soap and water or alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
Cover your mouth and nose with your upper sleeve or tissue when you cough or sneeze and clean your hands afterward. Put used tissues in a wastebasket.
Keep your hands away from your eyes, nose and mouth to prevent spread of germs.
Avoid crowds or social gatherings. Keep a distance of six feet or more from those who are ill.
Receive vaccination for H1N1 when available
Self-isolate with the onset of influenza symptoms. Do not go to class, work, or social events. Stay away from others as much as possible except to seek medical care and until you are free of fever for 24 hours without using fever-reducing medicine (Acetaminophen and Ibuprofen). Wear a face mask when you are ill and must leave your room for medical care or necessary supplies.

Personal tips to prevent spreading influenza when a roommate is ill with influenza

Keep personal items of an ill individual separate. Avoid sharing common items such as computers, pens, eating utensils, towels, and shavers.
Disinfect doorknobs, switches, handles and other surfaces that are commonly touched.
Use detergent and very hot water when washing dishes or laundry of an ill person. Wash your hands after handling dirty laundry.
Wear disposable gloves when in contact with or cleaning up body fluids. Gloves should be properly disposed of after being contact with body fluids. Cleansing hands with soap and water or an alcohol-based hand sanitizer after discarding gloves is recommended.
One person should be the caregiver if possible. He or she would benefit by wearing a mask when caring for the ill.

Prevention Question

Why is it important to notify a roommate when being diagnosed with flu?

There are some health conditions and specific age ranges associated with higher risks for developing flu-related complications. We may not be aware of the health conditions of our peers. For this reason, it may be important to notify roommates and others you work closely with when diagnosed with flu illness.

Notification of exposure to an influenza illness may allow others with the following health conditions to contact their healthcare providers and monitor for symptoms:

Children less than 5 years old
People 65 years or older
Pregnant women
People who have:
- Cancer
- Immune Disorders
- Blood disorders
- Lung disease
- Diabetes
- Heart disease
- Kidney disease
- Neurological or Neuromuscular disorders
- Liver disorders

The above information is not intended to replace the advice of your physician. Contact your healthcare provider if you have concerns regarding your health.

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