Influenza A (H1N1)/swine flu —Frequently Asked Questions for students and parents

For Students – Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What do I do if I’m ill?
A: Drop in to the Student Health Center or see your regular doctor. Flu symptoms include fever (usually above 100 degrees), cough, sore throat, body aches, headaches, chills and fatigue.

Q: Do I need to be tested for influenza A (H1N1)/swine flu ?
A: Local and national health officials are NOT recommending influenza A (H1N1)/swine flu tests for patients unless they have flu symptoms. Sac State’s Student Health Center staff will carefully evaluate your conditions and risk factors and determine if a test is needed. The Health Center follows the recommendations set by Sacramento County’s Division of Public Health and the national Centers for Disease Control.

Q: Am I at risk for influenza A (H1N1)/swine flu at Sac State?
A: The University has had no reported cases of influenza A (H1N1)/swine flu . While it has been reported in several countries, it still has not reached the proportion of a typical seasonal flu outbreak. Moreover, the relatively few number of cases reported in the United States have generally been very mild.

Q: What will happen if I go to the Student Health Center with flu symptoms?
A: If you have flu symptoms, you will be given a mask until your medical exam. Sac State’s Student Health Center staff will carefully evaluate your conditions and risk factors and determine if further action is needed.

Q: Should I wear a mask?
A: If you have flu symptoms, you can wear a mask until you are seen by a medical professional. If you don’t have symptoms, a mask is not needed.

Q: What are the treatments for the flu?
A: Treatments depend on the type of flu and severity. If an antiviral medication such as Tami-Flu is prescribed, then it can help reduce your symptoms but if your symptoms are mild then it may not be recommended.

Q: What can I do if I’m not ill?
A: Sac State’s ongoing efforts to improve public health apply here, including thorough hand washing with soap and water, covering your nose and mouth with tissue when coughing or sneezing, or cough into the crook of your arm, and avoiding touching your eyes, nose or mouth to deter the spreading of germs. More information is available at http://webapps1.csus.edu/hlth/documents/HealthAlert-Swine_Flu.pdf

Q: Can I still get the flu vaccine?
A: The seasonal flu vaccine distributed in the fall and winter does not protect against influenza A (H1N1)/swine flu .

For Parents – Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Is my child at risk at Sac State?
A: The University has had no reported cases of influenza A (H1N1)/swine flu . While it has been reported in several countries, it still has not reached the proportion of a typical seasonal flu outbreak. Moreover, the relatively few number of cases reported in the United States have generally been very mild.

Q: What do I do if my child is ill?
A: Encourage your child to schedule an appointment with the Student Health Center or a doctor if he or she is ill.

Q: Does my child need to be tested for influenza A (H1N1)/swine flu ?
A: Local and national health officials are NOT recommending influenza A (H1N1)/swine flu tests for patients unless they have flu symptoms and a test is ordered by a medical professional. Sac State’s Student Health Center staff will carefully evaluate patients’ conditions and risk factors and determine if a test is needed. The Health Center follows the recommendations set by Sacramento County’s Division of Public Health and the national Centers for Disease Control.

Q: Can my child still get the flu vaccine or Tami-flu?
A: The seasonal flu vaccine distributed in the fall and winter does not protect against influenza A (H1N1)/swine flu . Local and national health officials are NOT recommending the use of Tami-flu and similar anti-viral for use in most instances, including those linked to influenza A (H1N1)/swine flu .

Q: What is Sac State doing about influenza A (H1N1)/swine flu ?
A: University officials are closely monitoring the situation and working to address the concerns of students, parents, faculty and staff members. Campus health officials are working with Sacramento County’s Division of Public Health. Ongoing efforts have been in place for years to address possible medical emergencies. Additionally, University officials have updated the campus plan for medical emergencies should it be needed.

Q: Where can I get information?
A: Sac State is posting the latest information at http://www.csus.edu/pa/swineflu/.