H1N1 Flu Information and Precautions
Cornell's Student Health and crisis management teams are closely monitoring the progress of the H1N1 flu and will inform the campus if there are significant concerns or additional precautions to take. Please refer to this page and the Student Health Center homepage for the latest updates.
H1N1's symptoms are comparable to a seasonal flu, and are not getting worse. However, H1N1 is highly contagious and we are taking steps to monitor individual cases and prevent a widespread outbreak.
Student self-reporting
If you believe you may have the flu, we suggest that you first take the following online flu self-assessment. If you still believe you may have the flu, please report your symptoms via our self-reporting form. There are several benefits to self-reporting:
- Your RA will get the notification and be able to check on you.
- We can deliver a flu kit to your room. For $5 you will receive a thermometer, a face mask, sanitizing wipes, and H1N1 information.
- You will have documented your illness incase you run into difficulty with your class.
Call Student Health before visiting
Cornell is also advising otherwise healthy students who are experiencing flu-like symptoms -- such as a fever and a cough -- to call the Student Health Services at 319-895-4292 prior to coming to the Health Center. A visit to the Student Health Center may not be necessary and may inadvertently expose more people to the virus.
The Health Center nurses will speak with you about self-care. Isolation is recommended until 24 hours after the fever is gone.
General Precautions
Education and prevention are the best tools available for combating H1N1. Following are some general precautions, as would be recommended during a regular flu season:
- Regularly wash your hands with soap and water.
- If you are sick, stay home. Visit a health care provider if you exhibit flu-like symptoms.
- Avoid others with respiratory illnesses.
- Cover your mouth and nose when you sneeze or cough.
- Wash your hands after sneezing or coughing.
- As a member of Cornell community, please take responsibility for your own health and the health of others by following these precautions.
Symptoms
Infectious period for confirmed cases of H1N1 flu is 1 day before onset of illness to 7 days after onset of illness. The symptoms of H1N1 flu are very similar to seasonal flu symptoms. The symptoms include:
- a fever of greater than 100 degrees
- sore throat
- cough
- stuffy nose
- chills
- headache and body aches
- fatigue
Some people with H1N1 flu also have reported diarrhea and vomiting. Like seasonal flu, anyone with underlying chronic medical conditions may be more seriously impacted by H1N1 flu. If you believe you may have H1N1, you should stay home and keep away from others as much as possible - including avoiding travel and not going to work or school - for at least 24 hours after your fever is gone except to get medical care or for other necessities.
Those at risk for complications
People at higher risk for flu complications include children under the age of 5, pregnant women, people of any age who have chronic medical conditions (such as asthma, diabetes, or heart disease), and people age 65 years and older. Contact a healthcare provider right away if you are having difficulty breathing, pain or pressure in your chest or abdomen, sudden dizziness, confusion, and/or severe or persistent vomiting or if you are getting worse.
Additional H1N1 information
-
The Iowa Department of Public Health has established a 24-hour, toll free hotline for answers and information regarding H1N1 at 800-447-1985.
-
For more information about the flu, refer to the Centers for Disease Control Webster which will be regularly updated, at http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/.
-
Anyone who is planning international travel should check with the U.S. Department of State for the most up-to-date travel advisories.
-
Students may call Student Health Services for more information or with questions or concerns at 319-895-4292.
