Influenza (H1N1 and Seasonal Flu) Information  | | Dr. Blumenthal, Director of Student Health, discusses flu symptoms, personal care and reducing the spread of infection. |
The novel H1N1 influenza virus was the dominant virus during the 2009 flu season in the southern hemisphere, and is expected to be widespread in the U.S this fall. This novel H1N1 virus has disproportionately affected children and young adults (age 5-24 yrs). Fortunately the infections are no more severe than the seasonal flu, and most healthy individuals have recovered with no complications. The novel H1N1 virus has caused more complicated illness and death in children < 5 years of age, pregnant women, and in persons with chronic medical and immunosuppressed conditions. During the flu season, the majority of respiratory illnesses are caused by organisms other than the flu (rhinoviruses, coronaviruses, parainfluenza, etc.). While the common cold and influenza share many clinical features, acute cold symptoms typically appear gradually over 1-2 days, whereas influenza symptoms (high fever, severe muscle aches, dry cough, severe headache) are typically more severe and abrupt in onset, often developing within hours. Fever [>100° F] can be a distinguishing feature of influenza, as well as help determine when to seek medical attention for complications of a respiratory infection. If you do not own a thermometer, it is recommended that you obtain one to monitor your illness. While the majority of healthy adults diagnosed with influenza (seasonal flu and novel H1N1 flu) have fever > 100.0◦ F, there is likely to be a significant percent of the population who have mild or subclinical infections and will not have the characteristic fever. So whether the symptoms are from influenza or the common cold, all persons with acute respiratory symptoms are contagious and should not attend class or clinical rotations until resolved. The majority of healthy individuals infected with influenza or the common cold can be managed at home with symptomatic treatment.
To avoid spreading infection to patients and colleagues, it expected that all MUSC students will: - Take personal responsibility to stay home if you are experiencing acute flu-like symptoms.
- Exercise proper hygiene (Cough Etiquette and Handwashing).
- Ensure that ill colleagues comply with these same common courtesies.
Information About Evaluation, Treatment and Prevention of the Flu |
Influenza Information
