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H1N1 Update

swine flu

Cases of the Swine Flu have been reported in the U.S., with each individual experiencing mild “flu-like” symptoms. As a precaution, you are encouraged to seek immediate medical attention if you experience “flu-like” symptoms by visiting the Student Health Services or your primary care physician.

Communications Concerning H1N1

To view a listing of the number of swine flu cases reported so far by state, see the following web page: http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/update.htm.

What You Can Do to Stay Healthy

There are everyday actions people can take to stay healthy.

Routinely and frequently wipe shared surfaces, e.g., doorknobs, stair handrails, telephone handsets, computer keyboards, etc., with alcohol-based germicidal cleaners.
Keep hand sanitizer dispensers or towelettes available for use in classrooms and areas of frequent interaction among people, e.g., receptionists’ desks, computer labs, etc.
Cover your mouth and nose whenever you cough or sneeze. Preferably, cough or sneeze “into your sleeve or elbow.” If you use a tissue, throw it away after you’ve used it once.
Wash your hands often, especially after you cough or sneeze; use soap and water. Alcohol-based hand cleaners are also effective in killing flu germs.
Avoid shaking hands with other people whenever possible.
Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth. Germs spread easily that way.
Get the seasonal flu shot; it will be available on campus for $18. A schedule is posted at http://saweb.memphis.edu/health/immunization/flushots.htm
Try to avoid close contact with sick people. The recommended distance between people is a minimum of 6 feet. Flu symptoms can include fever, body aches, runny or stuffy nose, sore throat, vomiting, and/or diarrhea.

Know the Difference between A Cold & Swine Flu Symptoms
Symptom	Cold	Swine Flu
Fever	Fever is rare with a cold.	Fever is usually present with the flu in up to 80% of all flu cases. A temperature of 100°F or higher for 3 to 4 days is associated with the flu.
Coughing	A hacking, productive (mucus- producing) cough is often present with a cold.	A nonproductive (non-mucus producing) cough is usually present with the flu (sometimes referred to as dry cough).
Aches	Slight body aches and pains can be part of a cold.	Severe aches and pains are common with the flu.
Stuffy Nose	Stuffy nose is commonly present with a cold and typically resolves spontaneously within a week.	Stuffy nose is not commonly present with the flu.
Chills	Chills are uncommon with a cold.	60% of people who have the flu experience chills.
Tiredness	Tiredness is fairly mild with a cold.	Tiredness is moderate to severe with the flu.
Sneezing	Sneezing is commonly present with a cold.	Sneezing is not common with the flu.
Sudden Symptoms	Cold symptoms tend to develop over a few days.	The flu has a rapid onset within 3-6 hours. The flu hits hard and includes sudden symptoms like high fever, aches and pains.
Headache	A headache is fairly uncommon with a cold.	A headache is very common with the flu, present in 80% of flu cases.
Sore Throat	Sore throat is commonly present with a cold.	Sore throat is not commonly present with the flu..
Chest Discomfort	Chest discomfort is mild to moderate with a cold.	Chest discomfort is often severe with the flu.

Video: How can I protect myself?

View this short video to find out how the University of Memphis is addressing the swine flu outbreak and what you can do to protect yourself and others. View the video.