Human Influenza A (H1N1) Information

Q & A with Dr. Diana Ebling

Diana Ebling, M.D.
IU Health Center Medical Director
August 25, 2009

The IU Bloomington campus is taking precautions to prevent or limit the outbreak of H1N1 flu among students, faculty, and staff. We are following the recommendations of state and federal health officials and are actively monitoring the situation.

Although often mild, the new H1N1 flu can be a serious illness. Symptoms of H1N1 flu are similar to those of seasonal flu. Symptoms include fever, cough, body aches, sore throat, runny nose, and sometimes diarrhea. IU Bloomington students are encouraged to call the IU Health Center at (812) 855-5002, if they have symptoms that they are concerned about.

A vaccine to protect against this new H1N1 flu is in production, but there are precautions that can be taken now to help prevent the spread of germs that cause flu and other respiratory illnesses. It's important to wash hands frequently, cover a cough or sneeze with a tissue or sleeve, and avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth. Alcohol-based hand sanitizers are also effective. And, if you have flu symptoms, stay home.

What is H1N1 Flu (Swine Flu)?

This is a new strain of influenza A virus infection that was first detected in the United States in the spring of 2009. The symptoms are similar to the seasonal flu including fever, cough, sore throat, body aches, chills, and fatigue. Some people also have diarrhea and vomiting. It is often a mild illness, particularly in otherwise healthy people, however those with chronic health conditions, such as asthma, diabetes, and heart disease have a greater risk of complications.

Do students need to take any special precautions at this time?

Flu is spread mainly person-to-person through coughing or sneezing. Since college students live in such close proximity, it's particularly important that they follow infection prevention measures such as frequent hand washing or using an alcohol-based hand sanitizer, covering mouth and nose with a tissue or sleeve if coughing or sneezing, and avoid touching their eyes, nose, and mouth.

What should a student, faculty, or staff member do if they become ill with flu symptoms?

Stay home and not return to school or work until they have not had a fever for at least 24 hours without the use of fever reducing medications. Ask a roommate, friend, or family member to check up on them and to bring them food and supplies if needed. If someone is caring for them they should wear a mask, if available and tolerable, when the care giver is in the room.

• Call their health care provider if they have a chronic health condition to determine if they should take prescription antiviral medication.

• Get plenty of rest.

• Drink plenty of fluids (such as water, sports drinks, broth) to keep from getting dehydrated.

• Cover coughs and sneezes with a tissue or shirt sleeve.

• Wash hands with soap and water or alcohol-based hand sanitizer often and always after coughing or sneezing.

• Be watchful for emergency warning signs and seek emergency medical care if difficulty breathing, chest pain, persistent vomiting with inability to keep fluids down, or other serious symptoms develop.

Do those with the flu need to take prescription antiviral medications?

Antiviral medications are generally not needed in otherwise healthy people because most people get better on their own. However people with certain health conditions (such as pregnancy, asthma, heart disease, diabetes) are at higher risk of flu complications and should contact their health care provider for treatment.

Who should receive the flu vaccine?

The flu vaccine is the single most important way to prevent the flu. This year there will be two different vaccines; one for seasonal flu and another for 2009 H1N1 flu. It is advisable to get the seasonal flu vaccine as soon as it is available. CDC predicts that the H1N1 vaccine will begin to be available in October or November. Vaccination for H1N1 will initially be recommended for certain priority groups.

Information about 2009 H1N1 flu vaccine from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

What about special precautions for families who will be coming to campus for IU events?

It is important that if family members are ill with flu symptoms that they stay home and not travel until they are well and until they have not had a fever for at least 24 hours without taking fever reducing medications.

Should IU students, faculty or staff be concerned about implementing social distancing or avoiding large gatherings?

At this time, it's most important that everyone practice the everyday prevention measures mentioned above. Certainly anyone that has flu symptoms should isolate at home and avoid public gatherings. For those who are well there is no need to avoid public gatherings. However, those at higher risk of flu complications may want to consider avoiding large public gatherings if H1N1 flu becomes more severe or widespread. If H1N1 becomes more severe, the university will be following the recommendations of local, state, and federal health officials concerning social distancing measures.