Influenza Information

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Wednesday, January 20, 2010 11:17 AM

Fall and winter mark the height of the influenza season in the United States. Public health officials expect more influenza cases this year, many of them caused by a relatively new strain of influenza called novel H1N1.
 
Prevention, symptoms, and treatment are similar for all kinds of influenza, and most people who get sick won’t know what kind of virus they have. Fortunately, the vast majority of them will recover from influenza on their own.
 
This site offers basic influenza information for the University of Iowa community, along with info especially for students, parents, and faculty and staff. Knowledge and common-sense precautions are the best way to fight influenza—learn how to prevent its spread and what to do if you get sick.

What is H1N1 influenza?

Novel H1N1 is a particular influenza virus, one that’s only recently been found in humans. Its prevention, symptoms, and treatment are similar to other strains of influenza. Most people who get sick with influenza-like illnesses this year won’t know what specific virus they have, so it makes sense to talk about influenza in general.

But isn’t H1N1 worse than other kinds of influenza?

At this point, novel H1N1 appears no more severe than most other seasonal influenzas—the vast majority of cases are mild. However, since relatively few people are immune to H1N1, it may contribute to an increase in the total number of influenza cases this fall and winter.

All forms of influenza can cause serious health complications, usually in people who have other medical conditions that put them at risk. Every year, about 200,000 Americans are hospitalized for influenza-related problems, and 36,000 die from the disease.

What can I do to prevent influenza?

Everyone should get vaccinated against seasonal influenza as early as possible. The seasonal influenza vaccine may not protect against novel H1N1, but it will reduce your risk of catching influenza.

Common-sense precautions also limit the spread of influenza and other illnesses:

• Wash your hands frequently or used alcohol-based hand sanitizing gels, especially after coughing or sneezing. Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth.
• Try to avoid close contact with sick people.
• Stay home when you’re sick. Don’t return to work, school, or other activities until you’ve had no fever for 24 hours.
• Cover your nose or mouth with your sleeve, the crook of your harm, or a tissue—not with your bare hand—when you cough or sneeze.
• Throw used tissues in the trash.
• Don’t share food, drink, or utensils.
• Eat smart and exercise regularly to support your overall health.

Is there a vaccine for H1N1?

An H1N1 vaccine is in production, but initial supplies may be limited. Groups at greater risk from influenza—including pregnant women, people with infants at home, people between ages 6 months and 24 years, and others—will be the first eligible for vaccination against H1N1.

What should I do if I get sick?

The symptoms of influenza include:

• Fever of 100 degrees F or higher
• Cough
• Sore throat
• Runny or stuffy nose
• Body aches
• Headache
• Chills
• Fatigue

If you have these symptoms, stay home and avoid close contact with other people until you’re fever free for 24 hours—that can take four to seven days. People who catch influenza can be contagious for up to a day before they have any symptoms. Once you’re infected, it can take three days for symptoms to appear.

Most people who get sick with influenza will not need medical care. Pregnant women and people with medical conditions like diabetes, cancer, asthma, heart or lung problems, or weakened immune systems should contact their doctors for guidance. More information on flu and pregnancy.

What are signs of more serious problems?

Call 911 or seek emergency treatment if you have difficulty breathing or shortness of breath; feel pain or pressure in your chest or abdomen; suddenly get dizzy or confused; or experience severe or persistent vomiting. Seek help if your influenza-like symptoms get better, but then return with a worse fever and cough.

Is there medication for influenza?

Most people recover from influenza on their own, but some at particular risk for influenza complications—including people who are hospitalized or have chronic medical conditions—may be prescribed antiviral medications. These medicines don’t cure influenza, but may reduce severity of symptoms or decrease recovery time by about a day.

What is the University doing to prepare for influenza on campus?

Immediate steps include offering seasonal influenza vaccinations for students, faculty, and staff; placing respiratory and hand-hygiene stations around campus; and sharing information, including the message that people with influenza-like illnesses should stay home from work and school.

The University has developed contingency plans for disease outbreaks on campus, covering everything from a heavy influenza season—like the one we expect this year—to even more serious conditions.

In addition, the University is helping the United States as a whole prepare for influenza. Iowa is one of eight research sites studying vaccines for novel H1N1 and determining how best to vaccinate people against the virus.

Where can I get more information?

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention web site is an excellent source for the latest influenza info. You’ll find answers to many more health and prevention questions there.

 

Published by University Relations. © The University of Iowa 2009. • All rights reserved.