Influenza Information
(Updated November 18, 2009)

Cases of the H1N1 virus are now widespread across Kansas. During the past two weeks, ESU Health Services has seen an increase in the number of students who have tested positive for Type A influenza and the two specimens per week sent to KDHE have been confirmed as H1N1. In order to protect those at risk for severe complications from H1N1, such as pregnant women and persons with chronic health conditions, we are asking the campus to continue to remain vigilant and continue practicing good infection control.

Very limited amounts of vaccine have arrived in Lyon County and will continue to arrive weekly. So far, the Lyon County Health Department is administering the vaccine according to a strict priority and has not release any vaccine to designated providers, such as ESU Health Services. As quantities increase, ESU Health Services should be able to administer the vaccine on campus, perhaps by November. Please read the latest update from KDHE (H1N1 Flu and You at left) for more information about the vaccine and priority groups.

University officials continue to actively monitor the local, regional, national and worldwide swine flu situation and to follow the recommendations from KDHE and CDC. Please use the links at left for accurate information and download posters, videos, and flyers for personal, work, and classroom use.

Frequently asked Questions:

Q: How do the symptoms of influenza differ from those of a cold?

A: The symptoms of infection with the pandemic H1N1 virus are similar to the symptoms of seasonal flu and include fever greater than 100 degrees, body aches, coughing, sore throat, respiratory congestion, and in some cases, diarrhea and vomiting. With a cold, it is rare to have a fever, especially a fever over 100 degrees or to experience more than a mild general achiness.

Q: Why self-isolation?

A: To avoid spreading the virus to someone who is at risk for complications and to minimize the number of students who get sick. Because there is no vaccine, there is no way to protect those who have lung conditions, who are pregnant, or who have compromised immune systems. The two deaths in Kansas attributed to H1N1 were both persons at risk.

Q: What supplies should I have in case I get sick?

A: Check out the links to the left for tips from CDC. Also, it is a good idea to keep a few simple medical supplies available:

Thermometer (a reliable, digital one is best)
Over the counter medicine such as:
Tylenol® (acetaminophen)
Advil® (ibuprofen) Aleve® (naproxen)
Fluids such as water, juice and decaffeinated tea
Tissues
Hand sanitizer

Q: What can I do to avoid getting the flu?

A: Check out the links to the left. And,

• If you are sick, stay home to avoid spreading illness to coworkers and friends. DO NOT go to class, dining halls or any social gatherings.
• Cough or sneeze into your elbow or a tissue and properly dispose of used tissues.
• Clean hands after using tissues with an alcohol-based hand sanitizer or soap and warm water.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth.
• Stay healthy by eating a balanced diet, drinking plenty of water and getting adequate rest and exercise.

Q: Is there a vaccine?

A: An H1N1 vaccine is undergoing clinical trials and the first round is expected to become available by mid-October. This vaccination will be recommended in addition to the seasonal flu vaccine. Student Health Services will be offering seasonal flu vaccinations, as well as H1N1 vaccinations, as soon as the vaccines become available. Continue to practice good preventive practices to reduce the spread of any influenza virus.

Q: If I get a seasonal flu shot early will it still work through the entire flu season?

A: YES. Regardless of how early individuals receive their seasonal flu vaccination, they will have protection from seasonal flu throughout the duration of the flu season. Vaccination can begin as soon as vaccine is available, and we have seasonal flu shot clinics scheduled as follows:
September 21, Memorial Union, 2 – 4 pm
September 23, Memorial Union, 9 – 11 am
KDHE says: “The goal for individuals, especially those at high risk of developing complications from influenza, is to receive a seasonal flu vaccination before influenza activity is taking place in the community. Seasonal flu activity could begin at any time, so the sooner individuals receive their seasonal flu vaccination, the better.”

Q: Will the seasonal flu vaccination protect me from the H1N1 influenza A pandemic strain of flu?

A: NO. Because the H1N1 influenza A pandemic strain of flu has never been seen before, the seasonal flu vaccination will not provide protection against it. Therefore, individuals will need to obtain separate vaccinations for H1N1 in order to be fully protected this flu season.

Q: When should I take anti-viral medications?

A: There is some data from CDC that indicates the H1N1 virus is developing a resistance to antiviral medications. Therefore antivirals are being recommended only for those person who are at higher risk for severe flu complications, or those with severe flu illness who require hospitalization. Most people do not need these antiviral drugs to fully recover from the flu.

Last Updated November 20, 2009