What are the H1N1 flu symptoms?

The symptoms most commonly seen with the new H1N1 flu include fever greater than 100°F, cough, sore throat, and body aches.  Other symptoms reported associated with this illness are nasal congestion, headache, chills, fatigue, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea.  Early recognition of these symptoms is extremely important as this not only helps in early treatment, it also will help reduce the spread of the illness.  If you have any of these symptoms we ask that you contact HPU Student Health Services at (336) 841-4683 or studenthealth@highpoint.edu.  rained staff will be able to direct you to the next appropriate step in diagnosis and treatment.

What can you do to lower your chances of catching H1N1?

The steps we must all take to lower our chances of catching H1N1 are the same steps we take to prevent most respiratory illnesses.  These basic steps may seem very simple, but are extremely important.  First of all, it is recommended that you use an alcohol based hand sanitizer on a regular basis or wash your hands regularly with soap and water.  This is especially important after you cough or sneeze.  Using a tissue to cover your mouth and nose when you cough or sneeze will help reduce transmission of the virus.  If a tissue is not available, it is recommended that you cough into your elbow.  Germs are often spread when a person touches something that is contaminated with germs, and then touches their eyes, nose or mouth.  Rubbing your hands with alcohol gel after meeting people will help reduce the chance of inadvertently contaminating yourself with flu virus.  Avoid close contact with people who are sick.  If you must be in close contact with someone who has symptoms of the flu, it is recommended that you wear a mask.

We have been offering seasonal influenza vaccine ("seasonal flu shot") for all undergraduate day students at High Point University since September 2009.  We have recently received our first limited supply shipment of the H1N1 FluMist (Live, Intranasal Influenza Vaccine) and will be offering this on a first-come, first-served basis until our current supply is diminished.  We will continue to be in contact with students with each opportunity to receive the H1N1 vaccine via email.  Please continue to check your email on a regular basis to learn about upcoming FluMist or "flu shot" clinics.  The H1N1 vaccine is a different vaccine than the regular seasonal flu shot.   It is important to remember that the "seasonal flu shot" is not effective against the H1N1 virus and it is recommended to receive both vaccines for this flu season.  We want to encourage everyone to participate in the flu shot clinics, as anyone under 25 years of age is considered high risk for contracting the virus.  Each person vaccinated will greatly reduce not only their individual risk of getting influenza, but also greatly reduce the risk of others on campus getting the illness.

What is HPU doing to help prevent the spread of the H1N1 virus on campus?

Everyone at HPU is working very hard to provide a healthy campus environment.  Alcohol based hand sanitizer is readily available at stations in every building on campus.  Each student living on campus was provided a health awareness kit which will include hand sanitizer, a thermometer, mask, and reminder tips for influenza prevention.  We have been sending updates to students and faculty regarding any new developments.  We are actively working with the local health department and we will offer both the seasonal and H1N1 vaccines as they become available this fall.

What should I do if I get sick?

Most importantly, anyone with flu like symptoms should contact Student Health Services immediately at (336) 841-4683 or email us at studenthealth@highpoint.edu.  You will speak with one of our trained staff members who will ask you a list of questions and help determine the best plan to get you on the road to feeling better.

It is also very important that you remain in your room until you have discussed your symptoms with a health care provider.  Please contact Student Health by phone or email before coming down to clinic.  If you feel you have symptoms consistent with H1N1 and have to go out in public, it is recommended that you wear a mask to prevent the spread of illness.

What should I do if I am diagnosed with H1N1 flu?

If you are diagnosed with the H1N1 or seasonal flu there are ways you can treat your flu symptoms.  Make sure you get plenty of rest, especially while you have a fever.  Stop smoking and avoid secondhand smoke, which can make symptoms worse.  Drink lots of fluids like water and clear soups.  Fluids help loosen mucus.  Fluids are also important because they help prevent dehydration.  Gargle with warm salt water a few times a day to relieve a sore throat.  Throat sprays and lozenges may also help relieve the pain.  Avoid alcohol.  Use saline (salt water) nose drops to help loosen mucus and moisten the tender skin in your nose.  Stay in your dorm room to prevent the spread of the illness.

No over-the-counter medication can cure the flu but medication can, however, help relieve some of your flu symptoms.  Tylenol or Motrin can be used to help reduce fever.  Over-the-counter cold and cough medication may help some of your other symptoms.  For specific symptoms, consult your pharmacist.

Additionally, in some situations, your health care provider may prescribe an anti-viral medication.  Your trained staff at Student Health Services will be able to determine if any of these options are medically appropriate for your treatment.

If you are diagnosed with H1N1 influenza or the seasonal influenza, you should remain in your dorm room until your fever has resolved and has been gone for 24 hours without the use of fever reducing medications.  During this time period your Student Life representative will assist you with your academic preparations and other needs, such as meal delivery.

Remember, if at any time you have questions, please call Student Health Services at (336) 841-4683 or email at Studenthealth@highpoint.edu. 

What is the difference between "flu shot" and "FluMist?"  Do I really need two flu shots this flu season?

This flu season is unique in that the CDC is recommending two separate influenza vaccines, one for the seasonal influenza and one for the novel H1N1 influenza.  Student Health Services is offering both vaccinations based on our supplies of each vaccine.   We currently have the Seasonal influenza vaccination ("flu shot") and the H1N1 Flu Mist (Live, Intranasal Influenza Vaccination) in a limited supply.

For the past several flu seasons, the flu vaccine has been manufactured in two different preparations – the influenza vaccination ("flu shot") and the FluMist (Live, Intranasal Influenza Vaccination).  Both preparations have been show to be effective at protecting people against the flu.  The "flu shot" contains inactivated vaccine.  The FluMist contains an attenuated (weakened) virus that will not cause illness and is sprayed into the nose.  FluMist does not contain thimerosal or other preservatives, but might not be the right choice for all patient populations. Certain patient populations that are candidates for the traditional "Flu Shot" are not candidates for the FluMist (Nasal Spray).  It is not recommended to receive FluMist for patients if they:

• Have diabetes, asthma, lung disease, kidney disease, anemia, heart disease, muscle or nerve disorder, or any other chronic/weakened immune condition.
• Take immunosuppressive drugs for transplants
• Could come into contact with anyone who has a weakened immune system within the next 14 days
• Are pregnant

Last updated: 10/29/2009

Additional Cold and Flu Information available here.