Flu viruses, including H1N1, are most commonly spread when an infected person coughs or sneezes into the air that others breathe. Sometimes people can become infected by touching contaminated objects and then touching their mouth or nose.
Covering your cough and sneeze, and washing your hands frequently are the best and simplest ways to reduce the spread of flu viruses.
Students experiencing flu-like symptoms, should contact Student Health Services at 412-268-8220.
Ill students should stay home for at least 24 hours after their fever is gone (without the use of fever-reducing medicines).
Flu-like symptoms include:
high fever (101ºF / 38.5ºC +)*
headache
extreme tiredness
dry cough
runny or stuffy nose
muscle aches
sore throat
vomiting
sometimes diarrhea
* If you do not have a thermometer, Temp-a-dots are available at Student Health Services, the University Center Information Desk and desk attendants in residence halls.
Everyone should take these preventive actions:
Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it.
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 spread this way.
Try to avoid close contact with sick people.
Clean shared surfaces like exercise equipment, keyboards, desks and telephones with a household cleaner before and after use.
Check your temperature if you feel ill.
If you are sick with flu-like symptoms, stay home for at least 24 hours after your fever is gone (without the use of fever-reducing medicines) except to get medical care or other necessities. Keep away from others as much as possible to keep from making them sick. If you must go out in public, wear a surgical mask (masks are available at Student Health Services).
Cold and flu share many of the same symptoms, making it difficult to know which one has. Both are caused by viruses and can make a person feel tired and exhausted. Flu symptoms are usually more severe than cold symptoms.
Flu and Cold Comparisons
SYMPTOMS
FLU
COLD
Cough
Yes
Yes
Fever & Chills (fevers > = 101 ° F or 38.3 ° C)
Yes
No
Headache
Yes
Mild or More
Malaise (Fatigue)
Yes
Mild
Muscle Aches
Yes
Yes
Runny Nose
Yes or Mild
Yes
Sneezing
No
Yes
Sore Throat
Yes
Yes
Weakness
Yes
Sometimes Mild
Treatment Includes:
Rest and lots of fluids
For a fever, muscle aches and headache -- take two acetaminophen tablets every four hours as needed or ibuprofen 200 mg. -- two tablets every six hours, with food.
For a cough -- cough syrup with an expectorant may help lessen the cough, along with lozenges and plenty of fluids.
For a sore throat -- saltwater gargles (1 teaspoon of salt in 8 oz warm water) and throat lozenges to soothe the throat.
For nasal congestion -- take an over the counter decongestion such as pseudoephedrine but not any type of antihistamine. Anti-histamines will cause drowsiness and have a drying effect on the mucous.
Antibiotics are of no value in treating colds, coughs, and sore throats caused by viruses. Flu symptoms can be treated with anti-viral medication if symptoms are severe
Call Student Health Service for:
Fever over 102 degrees F
Coughing yellow, green, brown or blood tinged sputum
Earaches, face pain, chest pain, or shortness of breath
