What is the H1N1 ("swine") flu? The H1N1 influenza or flu virus (previously known as "swine flu") is a new type of flu causing illness in people. This virus is spreading from person-to-person worldwide, similar to the way regular seasonal flu spreads.

1. What are the symptoms of the H1N1 flu? H1N1 symptoms are similar to the seasonal flu and include fever, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, body aches, headache, chills and fatigue. A significant number of people who have been infected with this virus also have reported diarrhea and vomiting.
2. Do you have a self-assessment tool I can use to check my symptoms? Yes.
   • Do you have a cough?
   • Do you have a sore throat?
   • Do you have a headache, body aches or chills?
   • Do you have vomiting or diarrhea?
   • Do you have a fever of 100 °F or more?

   If you checked yes to "fever of 100 °F or more" AND "cough or sore throat," you have an influenza-like illness. If you are not sure if you are sick call Norton Medical Center (508-286-5400) or your home doctor.

3. What do I do if I have an influenza-like illness? If you have a health condition such as asthma, diabetes or heart disease check with Norton Medical Center (508-286-5400) or your home doctor about any special care you might need.
   • Isolate yourself: To avoid giving the flu to others, students with influenza-like illness (i.e. fever with either cough or sore throat) should go home, if possible, or stay in their residence hall room and stay away from others. Do not go to class, work, athletic or social events while ill. Notify your professor as soon as possible if you must miss class.
   • Stay home or in your room for at least 24 hours after your fever is gone, except to seek medical care or for other necessities. (Fever should be gone without the use of a fever-reducing medicine like Tylenol, Motrin or Ibuprofen.)
   • Get plenty of rest.
   • Drink clear fluids (such as water, broth, sports drinks, electrolyte beverages) to keep from being dehydrated.
   • Cover coughs and sneezes. Clean hands with soap and water or an alcohol-based hand rub often and especially after using tissues and after coughing or sneezing into hands.
   • Wear a facemask—if available and tolerable—when sharing common spaces with roommates or others to help prevent spreading the flu to others.
   • Contact Health & Wellness (508-286-8210), your area coordinator or resident advisor if you need a mask.
   • Meal Pick-up Program. To help reduce the risk of flu and other illness, Dining Services has started this program for sick students. Here's how it works:

     If you are sick and need to stay in your room to recover and avoid exposing others, you can ask a friend to pick up your meals from the Emerson or Chase dining halls. Simply contact the Dining Services office Monday - Friday between 8:30AM - 4:30PM by phone (x8209) or have a friend deliver a handwritten note stating that you are ill and would like your meal to be picked up. BE SURE TO INCLUDE YOUR FULL NAME AND YOUR WHEATON ID NUMBER IN THE MESSAGE.

     Click on the Dining Services link below to check each day’s menu:
     http://www.campusdish.com/en-US/CSNE/Wheaton

4. What do I do about my classes? Do not go to class, work, athletic or social events while ill. Notify your professor(s) as soon as possible if you must miss class.
5. Based on the checklist, I have some symptoms, but not an influenza-like illness. What should I do? If you checked "yes" to only one of the questions above, or if you are ill with other symptoms, stay at home at least one day to observe for other symptoms. If other symptoms develop, use the check list questions again to decide whether to continue to stay home. Return to school (classes and activities) or work after you have been completely well for 24 hours.
6. What do I do if my roommate has a flu-like illness and cannot go home?
   • Protect yourself from flu exposure in the best way possible.
   • Consider rooming with other campus friends when possible.
   • Limit visits to your room as much as you can.
   • Encourage your sick roommate to wear a facemask when you and others are in the room.
   • Support your roommate in their care and recovery (see care tips listed above).
7. What else can I do? What about the vaccination? Vaccines are the most powerful public health tool for control of influenza. Experts recommend that college students receive the H1N1 vaccine this fall when it becomes available.

   In the meantime, health officials are strongly urging individuals to vaccinate for the seasonal flu. We encourage you to reach out directly to your own health care provider to seek guidance regarding individual preparations for the flu season and vaccinations, especially if you are in a high-risk category.

8. What can I do to avoid getting the flu in the first place?