Two cases of H1N1 have been confirmed in West Virginia University students this week, according to WELL WVU. There is a possibility that large numbers of students may become ill with either seasonal influenza and/or H1N1 influenza this fall.

Seasonal and H1N1 influenza are essentially indistinguishable illnesses, but getting one does not protect you from the other, and getting vaccinated for one does not protect you from the other.

The seasonal flu vaccine will be available to all WVU students for $10 at the Student Rec Center from 3-7 p.m. on Sept. 28 and Oct. 6. Vaccine for H1N1 is expected to be available (and free) to WVU students by mid-October and dates and locations of distribution will be announced once the vaccine is released by the manufacturer.

“WELL WVU strongly recommends that all students protect themselves by receiving both influenza vaccines this fall. WVU administrators, including housing, dining, faculty and student services are all working together to provide for the ongoing needs of students,” said Dr. Jan E. Palmer, director of Student Health and Well WVU.

WVU will be following national guidelines set by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC). The recommendations for preventing influenza are:

  • Get vaccinated for seasonal and H1N1 influenza.
  • Wash hands frequently with soap and water or an alcohol based sanitizer. Hand sanitizer dispensers are already in place or being placed in most WVU buildings.
  • Cover your cough with a tissue and discard. Coughing into your elbow is recommended if a tissue is not available.
  • Stay at least six feet away from anyone who is ill.
  • Eat a balanced diet, drink extra fluids, exercise regularly and get plenty of sleep.

How to recognize influenza: * A fever of 100.4˚F or higher * Sudden onset of illness and body aches * Congestion, cough, sore throat

  • What should I do if I think I have the flu?
  • Isolate yourself at home or in your University housing until your fever is gone for 24 hours.
  • Talk to your resident assistant (RA) about having meals brought into your room.
  • Talk to your professors about missing class and how to make up work. Most professors will allow for some absences associated with illness.
  • Wear a mask if anyone is in contact with you while you are ill (available in residence halls, or Student Health, or local pharmacies).
  • Try to maintain a good diet, but especially drink extra fluid.
  • Take acetaminophen for fever and body aches.
  • Get extra rest.
Most students with influenza should not go to a health care provider (increase risk of spreading the illness).
  • Call Student Health to speak with a nurse at 304-293-2311, and determine if you should come to Student Health if:
  • You have an underlying health problem such as asthma, heart or lung disease, diabetes.
  • Are immunocompromised.
  • Are not improving in 3-5 days.
  • You have any questions or concerns.

-WVU-

9/2/09

CONTACT: Dr. Jan Palmer, Student Health and WELL WVU
304-293-2311, jpalmer@hsc.wvu.edu *