Flu Information

Topics:

• Cold, Flu, and H1N1
  

• How the flu spreads

• How to prevent the flu

• Flu Vaccines

• What to do if you get the flu

• SHS Pharmacy Products

• Recommended Cleaning Products

• What to do if your family member gets the flu

• SHS Hotlines for additional information

Information for:

• Residents

• Faculty
  

• Staff

Cold, Flu, and H1N1

Flu and the common cold have similar symptoms (e.g. fever, sore throat). It can be difficult to tell the difference between them. Symptoms such as fever, body aches, extreme tiredness, and dry cough are more common and intense with the flu. Colds are usually milder than the flu. People with colds are more likely to have a runny or stuffy nose.

Cold vs. Flu Chart

H1N1 Flu Self-Evaluation

Two strains of flu, seasonal flu and the H1N1 (Swine) flu, are currently circulating in the United States. Most healthy people recover from the flu without problems, but certain people are at high risk for serious complications.

Flu symptoms may include fever, coughing, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, headaches, body aches, chills and fatigue. In H1N1 (Swine) flu infection, vomiting and diarrhea may also occur.

Annual outbreaks of the seasonal flu usually occur during the late fall through early spring. Most people have natural immunity, and a seasonal flu vaccine is available. In a typical year, approximately 5 to 20 percent of the population gets the seasonal flu and approximately 36,000 flu-related deaths are reported.

This year, the H1N1 (Swine) flu virus may cause a more dangerous flu season with a lot more people getting sick, being hospitalized and dying than during a regular flu season. H1N1 (Swine Flu) is a new virus first seen in the United States. It is contagious and spreads from person to person. Like seasonal flu, illness in people with H1N1 can vary from mild to severe.

On June 11, 2009, the World Health Organization  (WHO) declared that a global pandemic of H1N1 (Swine) flu is underway by raising the worldwide pandemic alert level to Phase 6. Note: This action was a reflection of the spread of the new H1N1 (Swine) flu virus, not the severity of illness caused by the virus.

The seasonal vaccine is not expected to protect against the H1N1 (Swine) flu and the H1N1 (Swine) flu vaccine is not intended to replace the seasonal flu vaccine. Each is intended to be used along-side one another.

For more information

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How the flu spreads:

Droplets from a cough or sneeze of an infected person are propelled through the air and deposited on the mouth or nose of people nearby.

The flu can also be spread when a person touches droplets produced by coughs or sneezes on another person or an object (such as doorknobs, keyboards, pens, etc.) and then touches their own mouth or nose (or someone else’s mouth or nose) before washing their hands. Studies have shown that flu viruses can survive on hard surfaces and can infect a person for up to 2 to 8 hours after being left on items like cafeteria tables, doorknobs, and desks.

Influenza viruses are not known to be spread by eating food items. Influenza viruses are spread through inhalation or through touching contaminated surfaces and then touching the mouth, nose, or eyes.

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How to prevent the flu

• Get a vaccine. There are two types of flu to protect against this season - the seasonal flu and H1N1.

• Cover your cough

• Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it.

• Cough or sneeze into your upper sleeve or shoulder if you don't have a tissue. Do not cough or sneeze into your hands.

• Wash your hands frequently

• Washing your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds (the time it takes to sing “Happy Birthday” twice) is best, especially after you cough or sneeze.  If clean, running water is not available use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer. Alcohol-based hand cleaners containing at least 60% alcohol is effective. For more information.
  

• Frequently clean your living quarters and high touch surfaces with recommended cleaning products.

• Try to avoid close contact with sick people.

• Plan to monitor your health by checking for fever and other symptoms of flu.

• Talk with your health care provider if you are at higher risk for complications from flu.

• Update emergency contact lists.

• Overall, try to stay in good general health. Get plenty of sleep, be physically active, manage your stress, drink plenty of fluids, and eat nutritious food. Be sure to eat a variety of foods, including plenty of vegetables, fruits, and whole grain products. Also include low-fat dairy products, lean meats, poultry, fish, and beans. Drink lots of water and go easy on salt, sugar, alcohol, and saturated fat.

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SHS Pharmacy Products

Student Health Services provides over-the-counter products for cold and flu treatments at less than retail cost.

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Get Informed

Knowing the facts is the best preparation. Reliable, accurate, and timely information is available at http://www.flu.gov/

California State University, East Bay will keep the campus community informed on any issues related to novel H1N1 as needed.

You can use the following hotlines if you have questions on information not addressed in this website.

For Cal State East Bay:

• Students: Call Student Health Services at 510-885-3734
• Staff: Call Environmental Health & Safety at 510-885-4139
• Faculty: Call Student Health Services Medical Director at 510-885-3673

Hotlines will be available during regular business hours.

In the event of an emergency, call 9-1-1.

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Last Updated: 10/15/09