Symptoms/Care for H1N1 Flu Virus_A
There are several ways the University community can contribute to a healthier campus.
Recognize the symptoms of this virus*
Symptoms of swine flu are like regular flu symptoms and include fever, cough, sore throat, body aches, headache, chills, and fatigue. Some people have reported diarrhea and vomiting associated with swine flu.
If you have symptoms
The Center for Disease Control and Prevention recommends you stay home from work or classes, and check in with medical professionals. Students should visit Saint Liam’s Hall; faculty and staff should consult with their personal physician. A culture must be taken to confirm that the virus is the Swine Flu virus.
To avoid this flu or any communicable disease
Particularly because students live in close proximity, it is especially important that they follow infection prevention measures.
- 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 hands cleaners are also effective
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth
- Avoid close contact with sick people
- If you think you are ill with the flu, avoid close contact with others as much as possible. Stay at home or in your room. Seek medical care if you are severely ill (such as having trouble breathing). Do not go to work, school, or travel while ill.
If you plan to travel abroad
CDC Travel Health Alert
How does the swine flu spread?
People with influenza may be able to infect others beginning one day before symptoms develop and up to seven or more days after becoming sick. Just as we would recommend for any respiratory illness, limit your contact with other people as much as possible. Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue or your sleeve. Throw used tissues in the trash can. Wash your hands with soap and water frequently, or use an alcohol-based hand gel.
What is Notre Dame doing to decrease the risk of disease transmission on campus?
Our standard policies and procedures for cleaning and disinfecting campus buildings are effective against this strain of influenza. We are encouraging everyone to use standard droplet and contact precautions.
University Health Services is continuing to monitor the situation. UHS works in close cooperation with both state and federal health agencies including the CDC. If further incidents of the flu are identified on campus, we will introduce all necessary steps to keep members of the campus community and visitors disease free.
