Thursday, October 29th, 2009

President Barack Obama has declared the H1N1 situation in our country a national emergency. Please be assured that we are and will continue to closely monitor updates and recommendations from various local, state, and federal health organizations relating to the threat of swine-related influenza or H1N1. Your help is needed. Below are some tips on how to take care of yourself and to keep others healthy.

Know the signs and symptoms of flu. Symptoms include fever or chills and cough or sore throat. Additional flu symptoms can include runny nose, body aches, headache, tiredness, diarrhea, or vomiting.

To help avoid the flu:

• Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after coughing or sneezing. Alcohol-based hand cleaners are also effective if soap and water are not available.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth. Germs spread this way.

If you experience flu symptoms:

• Stay at home or in your residential hall room, except if you go to a health care provider’s office.
• Remain home or at your residential hall room for at least 24 hours after there is no longer a fever (100 degrees Fahrenheit or 38 degrees Celsius) or signs of a fever (chills, feeling very warm, having a flushed appearance, or sweating). This should be determined without the use of fever-reducing medications (any medicine that contains ibuprofen or acetaminophen).
• Staying away from others while ill can prevent others from getting ill, too. Ask a roommate or friend to check up on you and to bring you food and supplies if needed. Dean of Students staff are also available if needed.
• Contact the Dean of Students Office if you are experiencing flu-like symptoms at ext. 4100 or studean@ltu.edu.
• Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing.
• Stay in a separate room and avoid contact with others. If someone is caring for you, wear a mask, if available and tolerable, when they enter the room.
• Drink plenty of clear fluids such as water, broth, sports drinks, and electrolyte beverages to keep from becoming dehydrated.
• Contact your health care provider if you are at higher risk for complications from flu for treatment. People at higher risk include children under the age of 5 years, pregnant women, people of any age who have chronic medical conditions such as asthma, diabetes, or heart disease, and people age 65 years and older.
• Contact a healthcare provider right away if you have difficulty breathing or are getting worse.

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