H1N1 (swine flu)

Symptoms  |  Precautions  |  What to do if you are sick  |  Additional information

News and updates

• NEW: CHD flu clinic schedule
• 3/25/10: Chancellor's H1N1 Influenza Message-Spring Reminder
• 12/16/09: Message from EOU President Bob Davies on pandemic communications
• 11/13/09: Message from EOU President Bob Davies to remain alert
• H1N1 update: 10/15/09
• Self-assessment guidelines
• 8/28/09: Message from EOU President Bob Davies on H1N1 flu preparation
• How to care for someone with H1N1

Overview

The outbreak of H1N1 flu (influenza) is being closely monitored by Eastern Oregon University and local health officials. While there have not been any confirmed cases of H1N1 on the EOU campus, the health and well-being of students, faculty and staff is of utmost concern. Following is information about H1N1 flu, including symptoms and what to do to protect yourself and others from infection.

H1N1 influenza (flu):

While there is no need to be overly concerned at this point, to help prevent an outbreak, students, faculty and staff are encouraged to take the precautions they would normally take to prevent colds or flu:

• Wash your hands often with soap and water (Alcohol-based hand cleaners are also effective).
• Try to avoid touching your, eyes, nose or mouth.
• Try to avoid close contact with sick people.
• Don't share drinks, toothbrushes, etc.
• Cover your mouth with something other than your hand when you cough.
• If you feel very ill, go see your public health provider.
  

Symptoms:

Symptoms of the flu usually include a high fever. (102-104 degrees), chest discomfort/cough, body aches, headache and/or exhaustion. Usually, people can pinpoint exactly when their symptoms started, and they start suddenly. Stuffy nose, sneezing, sore throat and other symptoms of the common cold are usually not prominent. Illness caused by this new strain of flu has the same symptoms as illness caused by other strains of flu including fever, lethargy, lack of appetite, coughing, runny nose, sore throat, and can include nausea, vomiting and diarrhea.

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Precautions:

Influenza is spread just like the common cold — through droplets in the air and from direct contact with individuals with the virus. Touching surfaces that have been contaminated by someone who has a virus and then touching their eyes, nose, or mouth increases the chance of acquiring the virus.

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What to do if you are sick:

If you are having symptoms consistent with the flu, current guidelines suggest you self-assess your illness. Unless you are experiencing unusually severe symptoms or have other health issues, there is no reason for you to be seen by a health care provider. Students should contact their instructors to let them know they are ill. Faculty members should follow their normal procedure if unable to hold class. Staff members should contact their supervisor as usual, if unable to report to work.

Self-assessment guidelines >

 

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Additional information:

H1N1 flu, (formerly called "swine flu"), is a respiratory illness related to seasonal influenza. H1N1 flu is commonly seen in pigs, although occasionally human infections also occur. The most common route of exposure for humans is through contact with pigs, however none of the ill people are known to have had such contact or link to people who do. You do not have to have physical contact with pigs to get infected, and you do not get H1N1 flu from eating pork or pork products. Regular flu vaccines do not generally protect against H1N1 flu.

For more information visit the CDC web site: www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/general_info.htm

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Health inquiries:

Please direct all health inquiries to your local community health center. EOU students paying the health fee may contact the EOU Health Center.

CHD/Union County Health Department

EOU Student Health Center

 

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Media inquiries:

Please direct all media inquiries to Tim Seydel, vice president for Marketing, Development and Public Affairs at (541) 962-3740 or e-mail tseydel@eou.edu.

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