October 20, 2009

Purdue continues to treat flulike illness

Since Aug. 30, 485 students with flu symptoms have received care at the Purdue Student Health Center or at a local urgent care. Since this is not flu season, health-care providers have been advised to consider all cases of flu to likely be H1N1, Westman said. However, of the 242 students who were tested, so far only 39 have been positive for H1N1.

Most continue to have relatively mild cases, much like the seasonal flu, and there have been no reported hospitalizations of students. James Westman, director of the Purdue Student Health Center, warns, however, that those with underlying health problems such as asthma, diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, HIV/AIDS, kidney or liver problems, or other causes of a suppressed immune system should take extra precaution.

"This group will be among the first to be offered the H1N1 vaccine as it becomes available," Westman said.

Purdue expects to have some vaccine later this week to begin distributing to students, faculty and staff who are pregnant and under age 25 with underlying health conditions. This age group has little or no immunity to this virus.

Before coming to the health center, students are asked to call the center at 765-494-1700 between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m. weekdays and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on weekends. After hours, students can call for advice to the Collegiate Assistance Line at 866-272-7119, PIN 390. The Purdue Pharmacy is open 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. weekdays and 9 a.m. to noon on Saturdays when classes are in session.

For those with mild symptoms, it may not be necessary to come in. At the advice of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, antivirals such as Tamiflu are reserved for patients with flulike illness who also have underlying health problems.

To prevent spreading the illness, Westman advises:

• If you are ill with influenza, do not attend class or go to work. If you are a student, know ahead of time what the absence policy is. Contact your professors, instructors or employers to let them know you are ill as soon as possible.
• If you live in a Purdue residence hall, let your residence hall advisor know. Sick meals can be prepared for you. They also can provide cleaning products for you and those around you.
• Stay home at least 24 hours after your temperature returns to normal without the aid of medicine.
• Isolate yourself. If you can, go home. If you can't do either of these, suggest your roommate relocate until you no longer have a fever and other symptoms. The ill person also should wear a mask when others are present to help prevent spreading the infection.
• Use the buddy system. Ask friends to check on you and help buy what you need.

"It's a good idea to have a thermometer and fever-reducing medicine such as acetaminophen on hand," Westman said. "You might also want to put some hand sanitizer in your backpack and living area. The Purdue Student Health Center provides these to patients with flulike symptoms who seek care there."

As with most viruses, flu is spread primarily by coughs and sneezes or by touching contaminated surfaces and transferring the virus by hand to your nose, mouth or eyes. To increase the chances of staying healthy and helping prevent spread, he suggests:

• Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth.
• Cough into your sleeve or a tissue to prevent spreading germs. Do not cough into your hands. Dispose of tissues in a wastebasket.
• Wash your hands with soap under warm running water for 20 seconds and rinse your hands well. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
• Dry your hands using a paper towel or air dryer. If possible, use the paper towel to turn off the faucet and turn the doorknob. Be sure your hands are dry before directly touching anything.
• Consider getting a vaccination against the seasonal flu as soon as they become available on campus. While they will not protect against H1N1, they will protect against previously known flu strains.

Flu symptoms usually appear 24-48 hours after exposure to the virus, and people remain contagious for seven days after the onset of symptoms.

Basic flu symptoms include fever, cough, sore throat, fatigue, chills and body aches. Seek emergency care immediately if you experience any of the following symptoms:

• Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
• Pain or pressure in the chest or abdomen
• Sudden dizziness
• Confusion
• Severe or persistent vomiting

Updated information from Purdue and government agencies will be available at https://www.purdue.edu/fluinfo  A link also can be found on the Purdue home page.

Writer: Jeanne V. Norberg, university spokesperson, (765) 494-2096; jnorberg@purdue.edu 

Sources: Westman, (765) 494-1720; westman@purdue.edu

Purdue News Service: (765) 494-2096; purduenews@purdue.edu

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