Influenza - H1N1

Home : Influenza (flu)

The flu is a contagious respiratory illness caused by a virus. A new strain called Novel H1N1 (swine flu) is currently circulating on campus. Fortunately, the vast majority of cases appear to be mild and most individuals who become ill with this virus will not need to seek medical care.

Symptoms of Flu

• Fever over 100.0F, chills
• Nasal congestion/runny nose
• Cough
• Sore throat
• Body aches, headaches
• Abrupt onset-going from feeling well to quite ill within a few hours
• In some cases, vomiting and diarrhea
  

Who should seek medical care if they develop flu symptoms:

• Individuals who are pregnant
• Individuals with chronic medical conditions such as diabetes, chronic asthma requiring daily medication, diseases or medications causing immunosuprresion, chronic kidney, liver or heart disease
• individuals with severe symptoms such as
  • trouble breathing or shortness of breath
  • pain or pressure in the chest or abdomen
  • sudden dizziness or confusion
  • severe headache, neck stiffness or pain, rash
  • severe sore throat
  • severe or persistent vomiting, dehydration

What to do if you get the flu:

• NOT GO TO CLASS OR WORK
  • Please stay in your room and limit contact with others
  • email your professors and tell them you have the flu
• Cover your cough, wash your hands. Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth
• Drink plenty of fluids and rest.
• Go to Student Health website www.sa.ucsb.edu/studenthealth for information and updates.
• Take Tylenol or Advil for your fever and aches and over the counter cold and flu medications for symptom relief.
• • Monitor your symptoms (you will need a thermometer). After your fever has resolved for 24 hours without taking Tylenol or Advil, you may return to normal activities

Call Advice Nurse (805) 893-7129 if you are having trouble breathing, persistent vomiting, severe headache, dizziness or confusion or worsening symptoms. Go to the emergency room if emergency or if after Student Health hours.