H1N1 Myths : be.georgetown.edu

MYTH: If I have the flu but don’t feel too bad, there's no reason to confine myself.
FACT: Although the H1N1 influenza illness may be mild in some people, it can be serious in others. Some Hoyas, faculty, and staff have risk factors such as heart disease, diabetes, and pregnancy — making them more susceptible to complications. Be a responsible Hoya and protect others — stay in your room if you are sick. 

MYTH: My professors won’t understand if I miss class because I’m sick.

FACT: All faculty have been instructed to allow ill students to stay home. They will arrange for you to complete coursework and/or take exams once you are well. It is important to stay in your room until you've been fever free for 24 hours without using a fever-controlling medication. An excuse note will not be necessary, but email your faculty and academic dean to let them know you are ill. 

MYTH: Taking precautions is a waste of time. You’ll get the flu anyway. 
FACT: According to the CDC, precautions such as washing hands, covering cough/sneezes, avoiding sick people, and staying home if ill, help to prevent the flu and to stop it from spreading. Remain vigilant and follow these precautions. If an ill or well person isn’t following these precautions, say something. 

MYTH: I have a cough and a runny nose. I must have H1N1. 
FACT: H1N1 symptoms almost always include fever (temp over 100 degrees) with a cough or sore throat.

OTHER possible symptoms can include:
Headaches
Runny nose
Sneezing
Muscle aches
Chills
Fatigue
Diarrhea
Vomiting

Call the H1N1 Advice Line at 202-784-H1N1 (4161) if you have concerns about your symptoms. The nurse can help you decide whether you need to see a doctor and offer you additional medical advice. 

MYTH: I already had flu-like symptoms. I don’t need to get the H1N1 vaccine. 
FACT: If you had an illness with flu-like symptoms, it may not have been H1N1. As per CDC guidelines, all students under age 25 are encouraged to get the H1N1 vaccination when it becomes available. In the meantime, the University strongly encourages students to also get the seasonal flu vaccine. 

MYTH:  Everybody who has the flu needs to see a doctor. 
FACT: People who are in a high -risk group or who are experiencing severe symptoms, should see a doctor right away. For most students without risk factors, a regimen of rest, fluids, medications (such as Tylenol, Advil, or Aleve), and (if necessary) decongestants will be adequate. The CDC currently recommends Tamiflu only for those who are hospitalized or who have high-risk conditions. 

IMPORTANT H1N1 RESOURCES

H1N1 Advice Line
202-784-H1N1 (4161)

Student Health Center, Clinician On Call
(after hours advice)
202-444-PAGE (7243)

GERMS
202-687-HELP (4357)

More Info
http://preparedness.georgetown.edu/h1n1.html
http://cdc.gov/h1n1flu/