The symptoms of novel H1N1 flu virus in people include fever, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, body aches, headache, chills and fatigue. A significant number of people who have been infected with this virus also have reported diarrhea and vomiting. Most cases of the H1N1 are mild and many don’t even realize they have flu. But, serious cases have developed and you should monitor for the more serious symptoms listed below. If you develop more serious disease or have questions about your symptoms contact your primary care provider or Student Health Services at 913-588-1941.

If I experience symptoms, how long should I isolate myself ?

If a student has symptoms of an influenza type illness, he or she should isolate themselves from social activities and school or work until at least 24 hours after their fever is gone (without using fever-reducing medications). In addition, the student should not have aching, chills, sore throat, nausea, vomiting or diarrhea.

When should I seek care?

If you have severe illness or you are at high risk for flu complications, contact your primary care provider or Student Health Services at 913-588-1941.
Health officials are not conducting lab tests to confirm cases of H1N1 unless an underlying chronic illness or other pre-existing health concern dictates the need for a test. If you have flu-like symptoms, it is assumed you may have H1N1.
If you have a mild illness, please stay home and isolate yourself. If you experience difficulty breathing or shortness of breath, pain or pressure in the chest or abdomen, sudden dizziness, confusion, severe or persistent vomiting or have flu-like symptoms improve but then return with fever and worse cough, please seek emergency medical attention.

How can I stay well?

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. Germs spread that way.
Get plenty of sleep, exercise and eat nutritiously.
Get vaccinated. Student Health plan on starting seasonal flu vaccine at the first of October. We also plan to administer H1N1 vaccine and will update you on both types of vaccine as more information becomes available.

Can I get a prescription for oseltamivir or zanamivir?

Antiviral Medications

From the KDHE (Aug 20, 2009):

“At this time it is essential that all medical providers restrict the use of these drugs to patients with severe disease, or to those with underlying medical conditions that put them at risk of serious complications from influenza infection. Routine prescription of antivirals for mild disease, or for any case in an otherwise healthy person where hospitalization is not being considered, is discouraged strongly. Use for prophylaxis should only be considered in two specific postexposure situations: (1) Household or other close contacts who are themselves, at risk for serious complications from influenza infection, and (2) Health care workers or first responders who have had unprotected close contact with a recognized case during the infectious period. All other prophylactic use of these drugs after a potential exposure is not appropriate.”

During the current pandemic, the priority use for antiviral drugs is for treatment of severe influenza illness (for example hospitalized patients) and people who are sick who have a condition that places them at high risk for serious flu-related complications. If you feel that you might be high risk for complications, please contact your primary care provider or Student Health Services at 913-588-1941.

Can I get an immunization for the H1N1 Flu?

Currently, the projection is that a monovalent vaccine will be available to the public in late September or early October. The vaccine is likely to require two doses for effectiveness against this novel influenza. It will not provide protection from the regular flu and the regular trivalent flu shot will not protect you from H1N1 flu. You should get your seasonal flu shot as planned. The priority populations for this new H1N1 vaccination program are different from those traditionally targeted. The KDHE has issued a statement about this also.

“Prioritization of the H1N1 Vaccine

Based on a careful assessment of the epidemiology of disease caused by the novel virus, the federal Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices has recommended that initial vaccination efforts be focused on five key populations:

All people 6 months through 24 years of age

People who live with or care for children younger than 6 months of age

All pregnant women

Healthcare and emergency medical services personnel, and

People aged 25 through 64 years who have health conditions associated with higher risk of medical complications from influenza

Early immunization of these priority groups offers the best hope of reducing the impact of the pandemic on everyone. Once demand for vaccine in these prioritized groups has been met, providers will be able to offer the vaccine to everyone aged 25 to 64 years. As supply increases further, H1N1 immunization can be extended to persons over 65 years of age.”

Student Health Services plans to offer the vaccine as it becomes available. We will keep you informed as soon as more details are known.

What if I have an exposure while performing clinical rotations?

If you have a have a certain chronic medical or immunosuppressive conditions, please contact Student Health Services. Examples of high risk conditions include but are not limited to:

Pregnancy
Asthma
Diabetes
People with weakened immune systems due to illness or long-term immunosuppressive use

If you are unsure whether you have a high risk condition, please contact Student Health.

If you develop symptoms (fever, cough, sore throat, aching/chills, runny nose, vomiting or diarrhea), isolate yourself immediately. Please contact Student Health Services at 913-588-1941, particularly if you have a high risk condition as listed above.

Unless you have symptoms of illness, it is acceptable to continue clinical rotations. If you develop symptoms, please isolate yourself immediately.

Should I be wearing a mask when working with patients with flu?

Please follow infection prevention guidelines for the institution where you are performing your clinical duties. At KUMC, you need to use a PAPR or an N95 mask for all cough/aerosol-producing procedures form below the vocal cords. The PAPR requires training for use and the N95 mask requires a fit test. If you have not had training or a fit test, please let your preceptor know.

My Instructor requires a provider note if I miss a clinical day. What should I do?

If you are ill, contact your professors or clinical instructors by phone or e-mail. During this pandemic you will not need a note from a health care provider due to an influenza-like illness.

H1N1 Updates

Questions and Answers about Novel H1N1 Flu

What are the signs and symptoms of H1N1 Flu?