Student Health Center

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Influenza A, H1N1
Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the Influenza A, H1N1 pandemic?
A: A pandemic is an epidemic of infectious disease that spreads across many international geographic areas. The recently declared pandemic concerns the spread of non-seasonal influenza, and does not reflect the severity of illness. Historical records indicate that there are typically several flu pandemics each century of varying severity. We are thought to be in the early phase of this pandemic, as pandemics typically last 1-2 years.

Q: What is Influenza A, H1N1?
A: Influenza A, H1N1 (initially called Swine Flu) is a new flu virus causing respiratory infections in multiple areas around the state, country, and world. The symptoms are similar to seasonal influenza- high fever, aches, cough, sore throat, and tiredness. Some people may also have gastrointestinal symptoms such as vomiting or diarrhea. Most people do not have immunity to this novel influenza strain.

Q: I or people I know have influenza. What should I do?
A: The CDC advises patients with influenza to stay home while ill. Many people who do get the H1N1 flu recover without medical care or hospitalization. Typical influenza symptoms may be manageable at home. Call your medical provider if you are unsure whether you have influenza or need guidance regarding flu care. Seek emergency care for severe symptoms.

The following two links offer steps for influenza care at home.
- http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/guidance_homecare_directions.htm
- http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/guidance_homecare.htm

For some patients, antiviral medicines may be prescribed for influenza, but these typically work best if prescribed within 48 hours of developing symptoms and are especially appropriate for individuals at a higher risk for developing complications. These higher risk categories currently include the following:

• Children and adolescents (younger than 18 years) who are receiving long-term aspirin therapy and who might be at risk for experiencing Reye syndrome after influenza virus infection
• Children younger than 5 years old
• Persons aged 65 years or older
• Pregnant women
• Adults and children who have asthma, chronic pulmonary, cardiovascular, hepatic, hematological, neurologic, neuromuscular, or metabolic disorders such as diabetes;
• Adults and children who have immunosuppression (including immunosuppression caused by medications or by HIV)
• Residents of nursing homes and other chronic-care facilities.

Q: What precautions should I take in regards to Influenza A, H1N1?
A: The same precautions to reduce the risks from colds or seasonal flu will also help reduce the risk from Influenza A, H1N1. The CDC recommends taking the following precautions:

1. Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it.
2. Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze. Alcohol-based hand cleaners are also effective.
3. Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth. Germs spread that way.
4. Try to stay well rested. Maintain good nutrition and hydration.
5. If you are sick with a flu-like illness, stay at home for 7 days after your symptoms begin or until you have been symptom-free for 24 hours, whichever is longer. This is to keep from infecting others and spreading the virus further.

Q: What is the University doing in response to Influenza A, H1N1?
A: The University and the CSU system have developed plans to respond to infectious disease outbreaks such as influenza. The University continues to monitor information from local, state, and federal sources in regards to responding to Influenza A, H1N1 and will coordinate activities as possible. Education is the main tool to fight the flu, as individuals are primarily responsible for the steps they take to avoid or manage illness from influenza. Updates will be sent out to the campus community as more information becomes available.

Q: Is a vaccine available for H1N1 flu?
A: Several companies are working on producing and licensing a flu vaccine specific for reducing the chance of catching H1N1. Once it is available this fall, the groups recommended to receive the novel H1N1 influenza vaccine will include:

• Pregnant women because they are at higher risk of complications and can potentially provide protection to infants who cannot be vaccinated;
• Household contacts and caregivers for children younger than 6 months of age because younger infants are at higher risk of influenza-related complications and cannot be vaccinated. Vaccination of those in close contact with infants less than 6 months old might help protect infants by “cocooning” them from the virus;
• Healthcare and emergency medical services personnel because infections among healthcare workers have been reported and this can be a potential source of infection for vulnerable patients. Also, increased absenteeism in this population could reduce healthcare system capacity;
• All people from 6 months through 24 years of age
  • Children from 6 months through 18 years of age because we have seen many cases of novel H1N1 influenza in children and they are in close contact with each other in school and day care settings, which increases the likelihood of disease spread, and
  • Young adults 19 through 24 years of age because we have seen many cases of novel H1N1 influenza in these healthy young adults and they often live, work, and study in close proximity, and they are a frequently mobile population; and,
• Persons aged 25 through 64 years who have health conditions associated with higher risk of medical complications from influenza.

Q: What about other related vaccines?
A: People at risk for flu complications should ask their medical provider about getting the pneumococcal pneumonia vaccine. Reasons to get the adult pneumococcal vaccine include age 65 and over, asthma, other lung or heart disease, sickle cell disease, liver disease, diabetes, or other chronic medical conditions. It will remain important to continue vaccination programs for regular seasonal influenza, especially for those at higher risk for flu complications. Look for seasonal flu vaccination to start sometime around October.

Q: Where can I find out more about Influenza A, H1N1?
A: Additional information will be available through county and state public health departments as the situation develops. The Center for Disease Control (CDC) Web sites listed below give a good overview of the situation. More local information is available at the state and county Web sites linked below.

- http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/
- http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/qa.htm
- http://www.cdph.ca.gov/HealthInfo/discond/Pages/SwineInfluenza.aspx
- http://www.stanemergency.com/content/diseases/swine-flu/index.shtm
- http://www.calstate.edu/risk_management/em/pandemicflu/index.shtml

Q: I have a cough. Should I be tested for H1N1 influenza?
A: Testing is not recommended routinely as this point, but may be considered under certain circumstances. Contact your healthcare provider if you have questions about influenza diagnosis or treatment. Other illnesses may have some similar symptoms.