H1N1 (Swine) Flu | Student Health Services

H1N1 (SWINE) FLU UPDATE: Student Health Services (SHS) is waiting to receive additional doses of H1N1 flu vaccine. The campus community will be notified when it becomes available.

Learn more about Vaccine Eligibility and Priority.

Student Health Services wants to make the OSU community aware of the current situation involving pandemic H1N1 influenza, commonly known as swine flu. Benton County and OSU have had confirmed cases of H1N1. We have worked closely with our local health department and follow CDC guidelines in managing our response to this virus. While this strain of influenza is not as severe as public health officials originally thought earlier this year, it’s important that all students, faculty and staff take precautions to lessen its spread and protect themselves and our community. As the situation evolves, it is important to consider the following:

At the present in the United States, the great majority of people with swine flu have been mildly ill. Symptoms are similar to seasonal flu with fever (>100), cough, sore throat and body aches. In some instances, there may also be nausea, vomiting and diarrhea.

The best prevention of any flu, including H1N1, is frequent hand washing and/or the use of hand sanitizers. Avoid sharing food and drink. Also, if you are ill with cough, it is important to “cover the cough” so as not to spread viruses.

While the seasonal flu vaccine does not protect against H1N1, it is recommended that college students receive it.

If you live either on or off campus and have an influenza-like illness you should self-isolate (i.e., stay away from others) in your room or home for at least 24 hours after your fever is gone except to get medical care or for other necessities (fever should be gone without the use of a fever-reducing medicine). Keep away from others as much as possible, to prevent the spread of illness. If you live in group housing such as a residence hall, Greek house or co-op, it would be preferable for you to go home, if you can reasonably do that, for a few days until you are well.

If you are ill and must leave your home or dorm room, cover your nose and mouth when coughing or sneezing. A surgical mask can be helpful, but a tissue or other covering is also appropriate.

Be prepared in case you get sick and need to stay home for a week or so. Store at least a few days’ worth of food, water, and household necessities:
- Easy-to-prepare food (canned foods, soups, protein/granola bars, dried fruit, cereal, juice)
- Tissues, laundry detergent, toilet paper, and alcohol-based hand rubs
- Thermometer
- One gallon of water per person per day
- Non-prescription drugs such as pain relievers (ibuprofen, acetaminophen), cough and cold medicines, stomach remedies and anti-diarrheal medication, and fluids with electrolytes (such as sports drinks)

If you have severe symptoms such as difficulty breathing or shortness of breath, pain or pressure in the chest or abdomen, sudden dizziness, confusion, severe or persistent vomiting, flu-like symptoms that improve but then return with fever and worse cough you should seek medical attention. Students should contact Student Health Services by telephone (541-737-9355) to report their illness before seeking care. If you need to come to Student Health Services with the above symptoms, you will be asked to wear a mask as a precautionary measure.

If you are a student and become ill, we suggest you contact your professor to let them know of your illness. Student Health Services does not issue medical excuses for missing classes due to illness.