The CDC no longer recommends general testing of suspected H1N1 cases, therefore all cases of influenza-like illness (ILI) will be treated the same unless complications arise.

To help keep WWU students and employees healthy and reduce the risk of a flu pandemic in our community, here are some tips and explanations along with links to other resources:

H1N1 Fast Facts
What are the symptoms?
Who is at risk?
How do I protect myself and others?
Vaccine Q & A
What is a flu buddy?
What should I do if I get sick? - Students / Employees
Links to other resources
What to eat and drink when you have the flu

H1N1 Fast Facts

The H1N1 flu virus (human swine flu) is a strain of influenza A that causes respiratory illness and generally mild disease. For details  on its name, click here: Influenza. Like other flu viruses, the H1N1 flu is spread mainly from person to person through coughing or sneezing.  Infection is also spread by touching something with the flu virus on it and then touching your eyes, nose or mouth.

• To date, the risk of fatality from H1N1, even for people most at risk for contracting the virus, is significantly less than that of the general population for regular seasonal flu.
• The seasonal flu shot is not expected to protect you against the H1N1 flu virus.
• You should get both the H1N1 and seasonal flu shots.
  
• An H1N1 vaccine is expected to be available in late November. We encourage vaccination, especially for high-risk individuals.
• Antiviral medications are available for those who are particularly ill or at particularly high risk of complications.
  

Practical Precautions
  Members of the WWU community are reminded of the importance of precautionary measures. These include:

• Frequent handwashing
• Sneeze/cough etiquette
• Avoiding ill people
• Staying home or
• Seeking medical attention if you are ill
• Getting your flu shots
  

  The University continues to monitor the situation and is working with the local County Health departments to keep parents, students, and employees informed.  The University's operations are continuing as per normal schedules. Please continue to check University updates. For further information go to: www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu.
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What are the symptoms?

 Symptoms vary, but usually include:

• Fever over 100 F. When you have a fever, you feel cold and chills inside, but you will feel much warmer than normal to anyone touching your skin. A thermometer is the best way to test for a fever. (It's important to note that not everyone with flu will have a fever.)
• Cough
• Sore throat
• Runny or stuffy nose
• Body aches
• Headache
• Chills
• Weakness/fatigue
• Lack of appetite
• Sometimes diarrhea and vomiting
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Who is at risk?

To some extent, everyone. Anyone can get the flu, even healthy people.
Persons from 5 to 25 years of age are more at risk of contracting H1N1, while persons less than 5 and over 65 years of age are more at risk of contracting the seasonal flu.

Persons of all ages who have the following are at higher risk for complications from any flu and need to be followed more closely:

• Cancer
• Blood disorders including sickle cell disease
• Chronic lung disease including asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
• Diabetes
• Heart disease
• Kidney disorders
• Liver disorders
• Neurological disorders, including nervous system, brain or spinal cord
• Neuromuscular disorders, including muscular dystrophy and multiple sclerosis
• Weakened immune systems, including people with AIDS
• Persons younger than 19 years who receive long-term aspirin therapy
• Women who are pregnant
• Children under the age of 5

Pregnant women are not more likely to get the flu, but if they do catch the H1N1 virus, they are more likely to suffer complications, like pneumonia and severe respiratory distress, which can put both the mother's and baby's health at risk. Severe complications from the flu could lead to early delivery or miscarriage. This is why it it important for mothers-to-be to protect their health by:

• Practicing basic infection control
• Consider avoiding crowds
• Talking to a medical professional if you have flu-like symptoms, and seeking care if symptoms worsen
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Healthy students and employees are expected to come to school and work as normal.  To stay healthy, we recommend the following precautions in the workplace and in all aspects of your life:

• Wash your hands often and thoroughly in warm, soapy water or, if unavailable, use hand sanitizer (although this has limited effectiveness on dirty hands).  Good hand hygiene is the best way to fight flu viruses. 
• Cough and sneeze into your sleeve or a tissue, not your hand.  Dispose of used tissues immediately.
• Keep commonly touched surfaces and items clean and disinfected.
• Get the H1N1 vaccine when it becomes available (See Flu vaccine Q&A)
• Stay home if you are sick.  Contact a health care provider if your symptoms worsen. 
• Wear a mask when you leave your room to visit either the restroom or to visit a provider; stay at least 6 feet away from others.
  

Everyone should have on hand supplies such as:

Vaccine Q & A

This year there are two different flu vaccines. Following are answers to common questions:

Will the seasonal flu vaccine also protect against the 2009 H1N1 flu?

• The seasonal flu vaccine is not expected to protect against the 2009 H1N1 flu.  Plan to get both the seasonal flu and the H1N1 vaccines.

Can the seasonal vaccine and the 2009 H1N1 vaccine be given at the same time?

• It is anticipated that both vaccines may be administered on the same day. However, the seasonal vaccine is available earlier than the H1N1 vaccine. Individuals are encouraged to get their seasonal flu vaccine as soon as it is available.

Where will the vaccine be available?

• Campus Health & Wellness on the College Place campus expects to be a vaccination site for the H1N1 vaccine. 
• H1N1 vaccinations will be available in most doctors' offices, county health departments and in some pharmacies.

Will this vaccine be made differently than the seasonal influenza vaccine?

• The viral strain used is different, but this vaccine will be made using the same processes and facilities that are used to make the currently licensed seasonal influenza vaccines.

Who should receive the 2009 H1N1 vaccine?

• Everyone should receive the vaccine. However, availability and demand of the 2009 H1N1 vaccine may be unpredictable. Initially, the vaccine may be available in limited quantities. In this situation, the CDC's Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) recommends immunizing individuals at higher risk for complications (see Who is at risk?) before it is offered to those whose risk is lower.
• Follow public health advice about personal protection and other prevention measures, which will be important even after a 2009 H1N1 vaccine becomes available to prevent the spread of other viruses that cause respiratory infections.

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How can your flu buddy help you?

• Get a flu shot and follow prevention guidelines to stay healthy to take care of you, if necessary.
• Bring you food so you don't have to go out for meals.
  
• Bring you materials you need to keep up with classes.
• Call several times a day to see if you need anything.
• Stay at least 6 feet away from you even when you are wearing a mask.
• Wash hands with soap and water (ideally), or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer, on entering and leaving your room.

How can you make it easier for your flu buddy to help?

• Choose a flu buddy who is not at risk. (See "Who is at risk?")
• Recognize flu symptoms (fever of > 100.0 F or 37.8 C with cough or sore throat) and call your flu buddy for assistance. Other flu symptoms may include chills, body aches, headache, runny/stuffy nose, fatigue, weakness, and diarrhea or vomiting.
• Stay in your room as much as possible until your fever is gone for 24 hours without fever-reducing medication.
• Wear a mask when your flu buddy is visiting or if you must leave your room. (If you are unable to wear a mask, stay at least 6 feet away from others.)
• Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Dispose of tissues in a trash can and wash your hands immediately.
• Wash your hands often with soap and water, or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
• Wipe down commonly shared surfaces (such as door handles, desks, phones, keyboards) frequently with disinfectant wipes.
• Stay in touch with your professors by phone or e-mail.
• Encourage your flu buddy to read: http://www.cdc.gov/H1N1flu/guidance_homecare.htm
• Say "Thank you!"" and be a flu buddy for them if needed.
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• Know the signs and symptoms of the flu.  These include: fever or chills and cough or sore throat.  In addition, symptoms of flu can include runny nose, body aches, headache, tiredness, diarrhea or vomiting.
• Contact your primary care provider or Campus Health & Wellness if you are at higher risk for complications from flu for treatment.  This includes people who are pregnant, or have asthma, diabetes or heart disease, or other chronic or immunosuppressive conditions, persons younger than 19 years of age who are receiving long-term aspirin therapy, and anyone over age 65.
• Stay home or at your place of residence if you are sick for at least 24 hours after there is no longer a fever (above 98.6 degrees Fahrenheit) or signs of a fever (chills, feeling very warm, have a flushed appearance, or sweating), without the use of any fever-reducing medications (such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen).
• Drink plenty of clear fluids (such as water, broth, sports drinks, and electrolyte beverages) to keep from being dehydrated.
• Manage your fever and body aches with acetaminophen or ibuprofen as directed on the package.
• If you would like to speak to a provider or be seen at CHW, you can call CHW at 527-2425. Please wear a mask to your appointment (masks may be obtained from your RA or at CHW).
• Contact a health care provider in the community, or call Campus Health & Wellness, or your dean right away if you are having difficulty breathing, pain or pressure in your abdomen, sudden dizziness, vomiting and unable to keep fluids down, a change in mental status, or if your flu-like symptoms improve but then worsen.
• Avoid all unnecessary contact with others.  Have your friends call you on the phone or stay at the door of your room.  Wear a mask around others when they are caring for you, when your roommate is in the room, or if you are using a shared bathroom.
• Cover your mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing.  Cough or sneeze into your elbow or neckline of your shirt if a tissue is not available.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth.  Germs spread this way.
• Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after coughing or sneezing.  You can also use alcohol-based hand cleaners but handwashing is preferred.
• Should I go to my family home? If possible, residential students with flu-like illness who have families who live relatively close to campus should consider returning to their family to keep from making others sick at WWU. Try to do so in a way that limits contact with others as much as possible (private car or taxi vs. public transportation).
• As a parent of a student who attends an institution, should I bring them home? If possible, residential students with flu-like illness whose families live relatively close to the campus should go home to self-isolate. They should return home in a way that limits contact with others as much as possible. For example, travel by private car or taxi would be preferable over the use of public transportation. They should stay away from other people until at least 24 hours after they no longer have a fever (above 98.6 degrees Fahrenheit) or signs of a fever (have chills, feel very warm, have a flushed appearance, or are sweating). This should be determined without the use of fever-reducing medications (any medicine that contains ibuprofen or acetaminophen). 
  
  If flu severity increases, students at higher risk for flu complications including students, faculty, and staff with certain chronic medical conditions like heart disease, diabetes, or asthma, or who are pregnant may consider staying home while flu transmission is high in their institution community. Currently, the CDC is not recommending removing healthy students from their institutions.
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Centers for Disease Control
World Health Organization
U.S. Government
Those With Asthma
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If you have the flu, you may be wondering if there's a flu diet.  After all, you've heard the adage "starve a fever, feed a cold."  But what do you eat when you have both fever and cold-like symptoms that come with flu? 
   Today, more than ever, we're aware of the healing power of food to enhance the immunity and aid in recovering from illness.  Of course, proper nutrition is necessary for maintaining good health.  But when your body deals with flu symptoms for days or even weeks, your diet becomes even more essential in helping you achieve a speedy recovery.  It's critical that necessary vitamins and minerals be included in your daily diet to help you build your strength.

Fresh fruits, especially citrus...  Findings show that flavonoids found in the soft white skin of citrus fruits (you know, the part you usually throw away) increase immune system activation.  Flavonoids are found in grapefruit, oranges, lemons, and limes.

Glutathione is a powerful antioxidant that's found to strengthen the immune system.  It is most plentiful in the red, pulpy area of the watermelon near the rind, and is also found in cruciferous vegetables like kale, collards, broccoli, and cabbage.

What foods should I avoid and which should I eat if I'm congested with flu?
  Foods which lower your white blood cell count, such as sweets and refined foods, should be avoided.  Stick to immune boosters such as whole grains, nuts, seeds, fruits, vegetables and legumes.  Water and herbal tea are excellent beverages if you're thirsty.  Whole oranges are packed with vitamin C and folic acid, which help to boost immunity and speed recovery from illness. Other good sources of vitamin C are fresh papaya, mango, kiwi, strawberries, broccoli, tomatoes, and red, yellow & orange sweet peppers, to name a few.

What do I eat or drink if I'm nauseated with flu?
   It's probably best to refrain from eating if you're nauseated or have diarrhea.  Instead, continue to sip clear beverages to keep your system well hydrated.  In addition, increase your intake of fluids such as water, broths, herbal teas, electrolyte replacement drinks, soda, or chipped ice.  Start with small amounts, such as 4 to 8 ounces at a time for adults and 1 ounce or less at a time for children.  Only use clear liquids (such as water, clear soup broth, apple juice, club soda).  If you're not sure if it's clear, put the liquid in a clear glass and try to read something through it.  If you can't read, it's not clear.

Avoid sugar-free chemicals, high fructose corn syrup or sugar added to drinks.  The added sugar lowers your white blood cell count and your immune system's fighting ability.  Warm decaffeinated/herbal tea may help coat your throat and soothe it.  Also, warm drinks work better than cold drinks for opening congested airways.  Once your stomach feels better, try the BRAT diet and slowly reintroduce whole foods back into your system.  The BRAT diet, an acronym for bananas, rice, applesauce, and dry toast, is easily digested and unlikely to irritate your gastrointestinal system.

    A well-nourished immune system is better able to fight off infections.  Once you recover from the flu, make sure your diet is filled with a variety of food, colorful whole fruits and vegetables, whole grains and legumes that are high in phytochemicals, which are natural food components that have health-boosting properties. 

Adapted from Web MD by Donna Chinn M.S., R.D., R.N.

Amazing health is what we want for you! The factors which contribute to this can best be summed up in the following.  None are mutually exclusive, all must be utilized together to achieve the greatest benefit.

Nutrition—What you eat is the foundation of better health.  Eat lots of fresh whole foods!

Exercise—Anaerobic and aerobic, both are needed to feel better and have more energy

Water—Good for use on the inside and out.  Drinking other beverages doesn't have the same benefits. The WHO (World Health Organization) recommends ~9 glasses/day for women and ~12 glasses/day for men.  Eating lots of fresh whole fruits and vegetables aids you in getting healthy liquid in your diet.

Sunlight—We need sunlight for optimal health.   Ten to 15 minutes of sunlight allows adequate time for vitamin D synthesis to occur.  Overexposure to direct sunlight should be avoided.

Temperance—Moderation in some and refraining from use of others is important when considering the use of alcohol, medications, drugs, caffeine, tobacco and activities which may be addictive in nature.

Fresh Air—Open windows and green plants are wonderful sources for fresh air and air fresheners.  Our brains use ~25 percent of all the oxygen we breathe in! (Prevent pneumonia: use caution when someone is ill—avoid direct breezes on ill individuals).

Sleep/Rest—Sleep is an activity, a process that brings restoration and healing to tired organs, nerves and body tissues.  Avoid sleep-depriving substances (alcohol, caffeine, nicotine)  Establish a bedtime, experts recommend going to sleep two plus hours before midnight, sleep in the dark, turn off computers/TVs and radios.  Rest one day a week...24 hours of a change in activity...God called it Sabbath.

Trust—The social structures that historically connect us with God and community are the church and family.  There are many well-known benefits for those who trust in God and fellowship regularly with others...and guess what, a stronger immune system function is one of those benefits! 

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