Influenza-like illness is defined as a cough, fever and/or sore throat.  Anyone with these symptoms is assumed to have the flu which could possibly be H1N1.  The following is information concerning how to care for yourself over the next few days, who to notify and important numbers you may need. 

You will be most comfortable if you can go home to recuperate. 

If that is not possible, it is requested that you stay in your room to avoid spreading the illness.

When absolutely necessary to leave your room, you are requested to wear a mask which is in your flu kit.

You should notify the following persons:

	The Nurse at 788-6913.  So we can keep a number of people with flu-like illness.
	Your RA:   RAs need to be aware that you are sick & staying in your room.  They will notify Residential Education personnel of your status.
	Flu Buddy:  If you haven't already asked someone to be your flu-buddy, the RA may help you contact someone who will assist you by bringing meals to your room.
	Dining Services:  Will need to know that someone else will be using your meal card.
	Professors/Instructors:  All faculty are aware that many students may become sick with flu and make allowances for such absences.  However, you are responsible   for contacting them to let them know why you are not in class.  You are also responsible for any and all assignments, or other class work.
	Your Family:  They will want to know how you're doing.  The nurse will not talk to your family without written consent from you.

Call 911 or go to the emergency room at Potomac Valley Hospital if you experience:

	Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
	Pain or pressure in the chest or abdomen
	Sudden dizziness
	Severe or persistent vomiting
	Flu-like symptoms improve but then return with fever and worse cough

Self Care Instructions

	Rest as much as you can, your body needs time and rest to recover from this illness.   Not getting adequate rest can lead to your developing complications and prolong your recuperation.  Rest will help your body fight the virus.
	Drink clear fluids to keep from becoming dehydrated and to help thin lung secretions, stock your room with items such as water, ginger ale, 7-up, broths,  jello cups, clear juices like apple or cranberry, teas.
	Soft Diet,   You may not have much of an appetite for a couple days and you may just want liquids.  When you feel like eating progress from liquids to small meals of bland starchy foods like dry toast, rice, puddings, cooked cereal, baked potatoes, or fruits like bananas and applesauce.  Be sure to keep up with the clear liquids as well.
	To relieve sore throat try sore-throat lozenges, gargling with warm salt water may soothe sore throats, and over-the-counter pain relievers.  Cepacol throat lozenges may be in your flu kit.
	For minor discomfort, and if you do not have any medicine allergies to the following, you may use non-prescription drugs, such as acetaminophen, ibuprofen, cough syrups, nasal sprays or decongestants.  The nurse may provide these to you if indicated, and they will be in your flu kit.
	DO NOT TAKE ASPIRIN, some research shows a link between the use of aspirin for viral infections and Reye's syndrome (a type of encephalitis).
	Antiviral medications may be prescribed for seriously ill persons (like those in the hospital) or those at greatest risk for complications of the flu.
	Wash your hands frequently, especially after blowing your nose or before handling food.  Avoid touching your face with your hands.
	Stay home or in your room for at least 24 hours after your fever is gone except to get medical care or for other necessities. (Your fever should be gone without the use of fever-reducing medicine.)
	See nurse at health center for a flu kit with samples of acetaminophen, ibuprofen, disposable thermometers, masks, hand sanitizers, and written care instruction.  A generic kit is also available without the medications.  You will be asked to sign for your kit and the limit is one kit per person.  If you need more masks they are available.

Important Phone Numbers

Emergency	911
Residential Education	788-7425
Health Center	788-6913  M W F 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. T & Th  8:30 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Campus Police	788-6931