Flu at PLU

Check out the PLU Flu website (www.plu.edu/flu) for all the latest info on the flu, prevention and what to do if you or your students get sick.

The novel H1N1 influenza is now widespread throughout the world. Fortunately, the vast majority of cases are mild and, at this point, the virus appears no more virulent or severe than most seasonal influenzas. You should take the same precautions that help protect all of us during any seasonal influenza outbreak.

About Pain Relief Medications

Don't take aspirin for fever, use ibuprofen (Advil), naproxen (Alleve)  or acetaminophen (Tylenol) instead to prevent Reye's Syndrome. Reye's Syndrome, a deadly disease, strikes swiftly and can attack any child, teen, or adult without warning. All body organs are affected, with the liver and brain suffering most seriously. List of over the counter medications containing aspirin to avoid

Prevention

Flu viruses are spread from person to person through coughing or sneezing by people with influenza. A person may also become infected by touching a surface or object with flu viruses on it, and then touching his/her mouth or nose. It is important for all faculty, staff, and students to take the following flu/respiratory disease precautions. People with influenza can be contagious as much as one day before they have any symptoms.

• Avoid contact with sick people. If you are sick, keep at least 6 feet between you and others.
• Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it. If no tissue is available, cough or sneeze into your sleeve or elbow.
• Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze. Alcohol-based hand cleaners are also effective.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth. Germs are spread in this manner.
• Do not share food, drink, or utensils.
• Do not share lip balm/chap stick.
• Try to avoid close contact with sick people.
• Frequently clean your living and working quarters. Frequently clean commonly-used surfaces such as doorknobs, refrigerator handles, remote controls, computer keyboards, countertops, faucet handles and bathroom areas.
• Monitor your health by checking your fever with a thermometer.
• If you are sick with a flu-like illness, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) recommends that, except to get medical care, you stay home at least 24 hours after your fever is gone--without use of a fever-reducing medicine. Keep away from others, as much as possible, to keep from infecting them.

What Should I do if I Get Sick?

Influenza symptoms include:

• Fever (100° F [37.8°C]) or greater
• Body aches
• Runny or stuffy nose
• Sore throat
• Nausea, or vomiting or diarrhea
• Cough
• Headache
• Chills
• Fatigue

If you have these symptoms, you should stay home and avoid contact with other people. Avoid normal activities, including work, school, travel, shopping, social events, and public gatherings. In order to prevent the spread of disease, please do not come to class, meet with other groups, attend office hours, or contact offices in person while you are ill.

Prevention information from http://www.luther.edu/student-life/health-service/H1N1/index.html.