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H1N1 Influenza (Swine Flu)

UC Davis is working with the Yolo County Public Health Department to provide updated advisories and follow the latest information on their Novel H1N1 (Swine Flu) prevention and treatment recommendations. The information on this page is modified by Student Health Services as recommendations and guidelines become available from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), state, and county health departments. Information and recommendations may change frequently. Last reviewed: November 12, 2009.

If you have flu-like symptoms

If you have symptoms of flu and have concerns regarding managing your illness, please call the SHS Advice Nurse at 530.752.9649 for consultation rather than presenting in-person to the student health center. Do not call to schedule an appointment before calling the SHS Advice Nurse for consultation. The SHS Advice Nurse is a free service available to UC Davis students during SHS hours of operation.

In general, if you are not experiencing high fever, difficulty breathing, chest pain, persistent vomiting, severe diarrhea or instability related to dehydration, you will be advised to how you can manage symptoms with home care.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that people with influenza-like illness remain at home until at least 24 hours after they are free of fever (100° F / 37.8°C), or signs of a fever without the use of fever-reducing medications.

Illness Treatment and Response

The majority of individuals who contract the H1N1 virus will not need to seek a doctor’s treatment. Faculty, staff, and students who are ill with flu should remain at home (or in their room) for 24 hours after they are fever-free (and without medication that would lower temperature). A mild, lingering cough may occur. This cough should not prevent students from returning to class.

If you have symptoms of flu and have concerns regarding managing your illness, please call the SHS Advice Nurse at 530.752.9649 for consultation rather than presenting in-person to the student health center. SHS sells a variety of over the counter products that may help alleviate symptoms of the flu and the Advice Nurse can help you choose a product. The SHS Advice Nurse is a free service available to UC Davis students during SHS hours of operation.

If you have been in contact with someone who has the flu, onset of the virus can take up to three days. If you experience any flu symptoms within this time period, please stay home to limit the spread of the virus.

If you are pregnant or if you have a chronic medical condition such as diabetes, cancer, asthma, heart or lung problems, or a suppressed immune system due to a medical condition or immunosuppressant medication use, you should consult with your physician or the Student Health Service Advice Nurse (530-752-9649) to see if prescription antiviral medications (like Tamiflu) are needed. Generally, Tamiflu is prescribed for individuals with flu who are either hospitalized, have a chronic medical condition, or have a suppressed immune system. Tamiflu for influenza is not a cure - and only reduces symptoms and decreases length of recovery time by about 24 hours.

General Disease Prevention Recommendations

As a general precaution to help prevent illness, the following disease prevention practices are advised:

  • Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough and throw away tissues in the trash after use
  • Wash hands often with soap and water especially after a sneeze or cough. Use alcohol-based hand wipes as available
  • Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth
  • Avoid contact with others you know to be ill
  • If you get sick with flu like symptoms stay home from work or school and avoid contact with others (CDC recommends that people with influenza-like illness remain at home until at least 24 hours after they are free of fever (100° F / 37.8°C), or signs of a fever without the use of fever-reducing medications.)

Helping the Campus Contain the Spread of Influenza

The Yolo County Public Health Department and UC Davis Student Health Services are emphasizing isolation of active influenza illness by urging EVERYONE to help keep people with flu symptoms AT HOME when they are sick.

  • SHS is instructing ALL persons with active influenza symptoms to stay home (out of school and out of the workplace at least 24 hours after they are free of fever (100° F / 37.8°C), or signs of a fever without the use of fever-reducing medications).
  • All University staff and faculty are asked to promote supportive workplace and school policies and practices to encourage compliance with medical advice to stay home.

Recommended Resources

The California Department of Public Health has activated a public hotline for callers with questions about the current outbreak of H1N1 Flu (swine flu). Both English and Spanish speaking operators are available to the public, (888) 865-0564.

Students are advised to visit the following resources for information on prevention, self care, treatment and the status of local and national efforts to address the disease:

 

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last reviewed: Spring 2005