Face it: you might have the flu. If you don’t already have it, you might get it. This flu season is different from recent ones in that above and beyond the ordinary seasonal flu, there’s the world famous H1N1 (or swine) flu going around, too. Vaccines for seasonal flu are in high demand, but available. H1N1 vaccines are not even available yet. This means that even if you get your regular flu shot (which experts are recommending), you still have to be extra careful this flu season.
It is widely known that the flu spreads by contact with a contagious person. An infected person can be contagious one day before showing symptoms and up to a week after being symptom-free, according to the Center for Disease Control (CDC). Some contagious people may not even show symptoms, so sanitary vigilance must be maintained regardless of the amount of sick people in your life, yourself included.
Outside of getting vaccinated, the CDC recommends frequent hand washing as the top preventative measure against the flu. Use of alcohol-based hand sanitizer (like the kinds found at various locations around campus) is also recommended if hand washing is not readily available. Regardless of how clean your hands are, it is also recommended that you avoid touching sensitive areas of your face, such as your mouth and eyes as these are areas through which the flu virus can enter your body.
Common symptoms of the flu characteristically include a high fever and sore throat, often paired with body aches, fatigue, and a dry cough. Those suffering from H1N1 flu have also reported vomiting and diarrhea. Sick people are advised to avoid unnecessary contact with other people. If possible, those with the flu should stay home for seven days after the symptoms begin or 24 hours after the symptoms have stopped, whichever is longer.
Northeastern students have received several messages from the administration regarding the University’s flu policies. Students experiencing flu symptoms, whether the symptoms are severe or mild, are “strongly encouraged” to stay home until they have been without a fever for 24 hours. Instructors are prepared to make accommodations for sick students, including using tools like Blackboard to allow these individuals to keep up in classes. Parents of recently sick children are being advised not to bring them to NEIU for up to ten days after they are symptom free, as children are contagious longer than adults. Faculty and staff should contact the Office of Human Resources regarding sick leave policies.
According to the public announcements made via NEIUport, the University staff is keeping informed about the situation through reports from the US Department of Education, the CDC, and the Illinois Department of Public Health and plans to keep the students up to date as more information becomes available.
Now, go wash your hands.