H1N1 Influenza Information

Lycoming College continues to monitor the outbreak of Influenza H1N1 (previously called swine flu) and follow the recommendations from the Pennsylvania Department of Health and Federal Centers for Disease Control (CDC). At the present time, H1N1 cases continue to decline across the state and nationally. We will continue our diligence in reminding the College Community to practice good hygiene in an effort prevent further outbreaks.

H1N1 Flu Clinics were held during the fall semester for students, faculty and staff. The Health Center still has a few doses of H1N1 vaccine for those still interested in being vaccinated

What are the symptoms of H1N1 flu?

Symptoms of H1N1 flu are very similar to seasonal flu and include: fever, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, body aches, headache, chills and fatigue. A significant number of people who have been infected with this virus have also reported diarrhea and vomiting. Fever is expected to last for approximately 3-5 days; other symptoms may last 5-7 days or longer.

What are the differences between cold symptoms and flu symptoms?

  • Symptom
  • fever
  • headache
  • aches & pain
  • fatigue
  • runny/stuffy nose
  • sneezing
  • sore throat
  • cough, chest discomfort
  • onset
  • Influenza
  • high (100.4); sudden onset
  • prominent, usual, often
  • quite severe
  • extreme (up to 1 month)
  • sometimes
  • sometimes
  • sometimes
  • can become severe
  • sudden (within hours)
  • Common Cold
  • rare
  • occasional
  • slight
  • mild
  • common
  • usual
  • common
  • mild-moderate
  • gradual

What should I do if I become ill?

  • If you have a temperature greater than 100 degrees and a cough or sore throat, consider going home if possible until 24 hours after you are fever free.
  • If you are not able to go home, you are encouraged to self-isolate in your room (do not leave the room to attend class, go to athletic practice, pick up mail, go to the cafeteria, etc.) until 24 hours after you are fever free.
  • Document your illness at flu@lycoming.edu; this will greatly assist the College's surveillance program.
  • The CDC expects most individuals will not require medical care and can manage symptoms on their own. Drink plenty of fluids (Gatorade, ginger ale, tea, juice, water), get extra rest, take Tylenol or Advil for fever and pain, cough syrup, Imodium/ Kaopectate for diarrhea.
  • If you are at high risk for flu complications, call health services ((570) 321-4052) or your medical provider.
  • If you experience the following warning signs seek medical attention immediately: difficulty breathing or shortness of breath, pain or pressure in the chest or abdomen, confusion, severe or persistent vomiting, flu-like symptoms improve but then return with fever and worse cough.
  • New: If you have medical question after hours and on weekends may call the College's student health insurance's nurse advice line at 1-866-525-1955.
  • If you require additional assistance or services contact the Dean of Students office at (570) 321-4039 M-F, 8:30-4:00 p.m., or after hours contact safety and security at (570) 321-4064

How can I prevent getting/spreading H1N1 flu?

  • Wash hands frequently with soap and water or use an alcohol base hand sanitizer;
  • Get vaccinated for H1N1 and seasonal flu (vaccination through Health Services will be announced when availability is known);
  • Cover mouth/nose when cough/sneezing;
  • Dispose of dirty tissues promptly in a waste receptacle;
  • Stay home from work, school, campus events, errands if you have flu symptoms
  • Practice good health habits, including getting plenty of sleep, being physically active, managing your stress, drinking plenty of fluids, and eating nutritious foods;
  • Clean personal living spaces routinely with a household disinfectant such as Pine-Sol, Mr. Clean, Clorox wipes or Lysol spray.

Personal Emergency Planning

The College is encouraging all students to create a personal emergency plan in case they become ill with H1N1 flu:

  • Establish if and how you will travel home;
  • Maintain a supply of needed over the counter supplies to treat flu symptoms and manage the spread of illness such as tissues, Tylenol or Advil, cough syrup, hand sanitizer, household disinfectant supplies;
  • If you are remaining on campus establish a list of friends/acquaintances willing to assist you in obtaining additional supplies, meals, etc while ill.

The College will continue to monitor this flu outbreak and will provide updates to campus as appropriate.

For additional information visit: www.cdc.gov/h1n1/guidancedirections.htm or www.flu.gov