Influenza

BSU-NTC administration and staff are working with local health department and hospital experts to keep updated on influenza concerns, primarily the H1N1 virus. Experts note that it is important to follow the precautions outlined at the Minnesota Department of Heath (MDH) and Center for Disease Control (CDC) websites listed below.

Maintaining healthy daily practices and following standard hygiene practices is critical:

• Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after use.
• Wash your hands with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze. Alcohol based hand cleaners are also effective.
• Avoid close contact with anyone who appears sick.
• If you get sick, stay home from work or school, and limit your contact with others.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth.
  

Symptoms of Possible Influenza:

• Fever over 100.4
• Cough
• Sore throat
• Nasal congestion
• Some people may experience vomiting and/or diarrhea

Managing Flu-like Symptoms

If you have flu-like symptoms, it's important to stay home until your fever is gone.  Download these helpful hints from the Minnesota Department of Health for ways to manage your illness.

Calling the Minnesota FluLine

If you have questions about your flu symptoms and treatment options, you can call the Minnesota FluLine toll-free at 1-866-259-4655 to talk with a nurse.

Seeking Medical Attention

Most cases of flu-like illness seen at the Student Center for Health have been mild. Generally, healthy students with flu-like illness do not need to be seen by a medical provider. Instead, call 218-755-2053 and talk with a nurse. The nurse will assist you with home care instructions, talk about isolation and answer your questions.

If you become ill and experience any of the following warning signs, seek emergency medical care immediately:

• Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
• Bluish or gray skin color
• Not able to drink enough fluids
• Severe or persistent vomiting
• Not waking up or lethargy
• Pain or pressure in the chest or abdomen
• Sudden dizziness
• Confusion
• Flu-like symptoms improve, but then return with fever and worse cough

If you have developed any one of these symptoms above, contact the heath center at 218-755-2053, during clinic hours. After hours, contact North Country Regional Hospital's Emergency Room at 218-333-5595

Call the health center for an appointment if you develop flu-like symptoms and have any of these medical problems:

• Immunosuppression due to HIV/AIDS, chemotherapy, cancer, chronic steroid use
• Pregnant women
• Asthma or chronic pulmonary disease (eg. Cystic fibrosis)
• Cardiovascular disease (eg. Congenital heart disease)
• Chronic renal or hepatic disease (eg. Nephritis, dialysis, chronic hepatitis)
• Neuormuscular disorders (eg. Multiple sclerosis, cerebral palsy)
• Diabetes, adrenal insufficienty (eg. Addison's disease)
• Hematologic disorders (eg. Platelet and clotting disorders)
• Chronic rheumatologic disorder (eg. Lupus, rheumatoid arthritis)
• Gastrointestinal disease (eg. Crohn's, ulcerative colitis)

Testing for H1N1

When individuals are hospitalized and quite ill with complicating factors, they may be tested for H1N1. The Minnesota Department of Health does the H1N1 testing. Testing for Influenza A or B is done in certain circumstances, but does not diagnose H1N1.  The Influenza A and B testing is available for students at the Student Center for Health and Counseling (SCHC).

Influenza Vaccinations

Seasonal influenza vaccine is recommended for all individuals and is currently being offered for students at the Student Center for Health and Counseling (SCHC).  The cost is $35.00.   H1N1 vaccine may be available sometime later this fall and the SCHC may be a vaccination site for students.

Watch for more details about the H1N1 vaccine.

The anti-viral medication, Tamiflu, will be available for treatment purposes only, not for prevention. There are guidelines from the MDH and CDC as to when to treat a positive case of H1N1.

If a Fever or Cough Returns After Recovery

If your flu-like symptoms improve but then return with fever and worse cough, call your medical provider if you are a faculty or staff member.  Students should call the Student Center for Health and Counseling or their medical provider immediately.

Stay Informed

For current information on influenza go to:

• U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
• Center for Disease Control and Prevention
• Minnesota Department of Health
• Managing Your Anxiety About H1N1