—Hopefully Protected

Dear Reader #1, #2, and Hopefully Protected,

Swine flu is the common name for Influenza A (H1N1) and is so named because it is a strain of flu virus commonly found in pigs. Despite its name, it is possible for humans to transmit the infection to other humans.

This virus seems to have a relatively short incubation period and most people who contract it will become ill 3 to 5 days after being exposed. However, in response to the 2009 outbreak, public health authorities recommend closely monitoring how you feel for 7 days after a possible exposure. Symptoms of the H1N1 flu are similar to other influenza infections, and include:

• Possibly fever
• Feeling tired, lethargy
• Lack of appetite
• Coughing
• Possibly nausea and vomiting
• Possibly diarrhea

If you are experiencing flu-like symptoms and have reason to believe you have been exposed to the virus, it's important to get rest and avoid going to work or other public places while you are ill (adults with the flu are typically contagious for a week). Many cases of the H1N1 flu in the U.S. have been mild and sick people have recovered within a few days to a week.

If you are having flu symptoms, you can contact your health care provider, who may be able to provide treatment that eases symptoms. If you have severe symptoms, like difficulty breathing, it is important to get medical care right away. Columbia students with persistent fever combined with muscle aches and/or fatigue can call Primary Care Medical Services at x4-2284 for an evaluation and ill students can gain valuable information on coping with flu from the Health Services website. Information about Columbia's response to flu outbreaks is available at the University's preparedness website. More information about H1N1 flu is available on the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website.

Strategies to prevent transmission of this or any type of flu, include:

• Washing hands frequently and/or using alcohol-based hand sanitizer
• Covering your cough or sneeze with a tissue, or coughing into your upper sleeve (avoid coughing directly onto your hands)
• Avoiding contact with people who are ill
• Cleaning frequently touched objects, like phones

A vaccine for the H1N1 strain of the flu has been approved and is becoming available across the United States. H1N1 protection is not included in the 2009 seasonal flu vaccine. Public health officials recommend having both the seasonal flu vaccine and the H1N1 vaccine. Remember, flu vaccines only last for one season, so to gain protection against the current year's flu strains it's important to get a vaccine each year.

Because flu symptoms resulting from H1N1 have been relatively mild, treatment is the same as standard treatment for any flu virus. This means getting lots of rest and fluids, taking a fever-reducer, staying away from public places, and monitoring symptoms. Anti-viral flu treatments may be prescribed for people who test positive for any strain of influenza virus (including H1N1). The Centers for Disease Control are not recommending that health care providers test to determine which strain of the flu a person may have. For most people, because there is no difference in treatment, it is not necessary to determine which flu strain is causing illness. It is important to remember that antibiotics will not help against any type of flu.

For the curious, pork products do not pose any risk of transmitting swine flu and are safe to eat when properly handled and prepared. Typical flu pathways, such as coughing and not washing hands, are the routes of transmission for this illness, so personal hygiene and limiting contact with people who are sick is the best way to prevent infection. If you're feeling flu-ish, rest, pay attention to your symptoms, rest, and consider visiting or calling your health care provider.

Take care,

Alice

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