With the recent emergence of H1N1 influenza A in the U.S., University Health Services (UHS) advises taking special precautions whenever students experience an influenza-like-illness (ILI). An ILI is a combination of a fever with either a cough or sore throat and may include other symptoms, such as body aches.
If you think you have a fever, take your temperature with a thermometer. Your healthcare provider needs information about your temperature to evaluate you.
What do you mean by “special precautions”?
Students who experience ILI and wish to seek medical care should contact their health care providers to report illness (by telephone or other remote means) before seeking care at a clinic, physician’s office or hospital.
Your clinician may collect samples to detect the presence of the H1N1 Influenza virus. These tests take several days. Antiviral medication may be prescribed.
Students with an ILI will be instructed to self-isolate (i.e., stay away from others) in their dorm room or home for 7 days after the onset of illness or at least 24 hours after symptoms have resolved, whichever is longer. Students who are tested at UHS will be allowed to leave self-isolation if they test negative for the H1N1 virus and their symptoms have resolved.
What groups are considered at higher risk for complications?
If you experience ILI symptoms and you are immunocompromised or pregnant, or have asthma, diabetes, or other chronic lung, heart, blood, respiratory, or neurologic diseases, you should contact your health care provider immediately.
You should seek urgent medical care if you have
- trouble breathing
- pain or pressure in your chest or abdomen
- sudden dizziness
- confusion
- severe or persistent vomiting
Caring for yourself when you’re sick
The most important things are sleep, fluids, and fever control. Get as much rest as possible. Drink plenty of fluids, such as water, juice, and herbal tea. Even if you feel nauseated or have no appetite, keep your fluids up so you don’t get dehydrated. Use pain relievers such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen, as directed, to control your fever and body aches.
Influenza and other flu-like illnesses can make you feel very sick for three to five days. Even after the worst of your symptoms are over, you may not feel like yourself for a week or more, so take it easy.
When is University Health Services open?
UHS will be open during normal business hours: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m.; Wednesday 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Call (608) 265-5600 for an appointment.
Urgent medical advice by phone is available after hours until 9 p.m. on weeknights. It will also be available 9 a.m.-9 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday, May 9-10.
I am sick and am supposed to stay home. What should I do?
Remember to call your job and to cancel any appointments you may have. If during your illness, you need assistance from the Offices of the Dean of Students, the Registrar, Student Financial Aid, or any other campus office, you should call during business hours and explain that you are self-isolating due to illness. Be aware that they may have to take a message and call you back.
If you must leave your home or dorm room (for example, to seek medical care or other necessities) you should cover your nose and mouth when coughing or sneezing. Wear a loose-fitting (surgical) mask if one is available.
Avoid common spaces such as the Union, libraries, Recreational Sports facilities, residence hall dining areas or computer labs.
What if I have to miss an exam, paper or assignment due to my symptoms?
As always, you should communicate promptly with your instructor if you are going to miss an exam or deadline due to illness to make arrangements for completion of requirements after recovery. Call the instructor’s office phone or email (or follow any instructions you have received for that particular class).
If you need additional assistance, call the Offices of the Dean of Students at (608) 263-5700 or dean@odos.wisc.edu during normal business hours. Please be aware that University Health Services does not generally give medical excuses for acute illness.
I live in a residence hall and must stay home due to illness. What should I do?
Tell your roommate that you are sick and must stay home. Be vigilant about respiratory hygiene (covering coughs and sneezes, frequent and thorough handwashing).
You must also tell your house fellow or other Residence Life staff that you are planning to self-isolate. They can give you advice appropriate to your living situation and can arrange to have food delivered to your room during this time.
Does “stay home” mean I can’t leave campus?
Depending on where your family home is, you may prefer to travel there for recovery, if it’s possible to do so while taking care not to infect others. UHS encourages students with ILI to discuss with their clinician whether or not it is advisable to travel to their home. Students living in residence halls should discuss their options with Residence Life staff. They will assist you in making that decision.
I live in an apartment or house and must stay home due to illness. What should I do?
Tell your roommates or housemates that you’re sick and must stay home. Be vigilant about respiratory hygiene (covering coughs and sneezes, frequent and thorough handwashing).
Do we have to clean surfaces in any special way?
No, routine surface cleaning should be sufficient. Remember that viruses such as influenza can typically remain on surfaces for up to two hours.
For more information, visit the CDC Web site.
My roommate is staying home due to illness. What does that mean for me?
In general, healthy “household contacts” are free to attend class and other activities, but should exercise careful hand-washing.
Monitor your own health; if you do develop symptoms, remain home at the earliest sign of illness. Roommates, household members, or those caring for an ill person should follow Interim Guidance for H1N1 Flu (Swine Flu): Taking Care of a Sick Person in Your Home.
My roommate or housemate has influenza symptoms, and I fall into a risk category for complications. What should I do?
If you may have been exposed to influenza and you are immunocompromised or pregnant, or have asthma, diabetes, or other chronic lung, heart, blood, respiratory, or neurologic diseases, you should contact your health care provider immediately.
For more information, visit the CDC Web site.
For additional information on what to do if you get sick, visit:
Visit the CDC Web site.
Sources: University Health Services and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention