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Influenza 2009-2010 - FAQ for Students

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Frequently Asked Questions

How will I know if I have the flu?  What are the signs/symptoms?

The symptoms of novel H1N1 flu virus in people are similar to the symptoms of seasonal flu and include fever, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, body aches, headache, chills and fatigue. A significant number of people who have been infected with novel H1N1 flu virus also have reported diarrhea and vomiting.

What do I do if I think I have the H1N1 Flu, or develop any flu-like symptoms?

Any students with concerns, symptoms or questions are instructed to call the flu line at YUHS at 866-924-YALE (9253).  If you are an undergraduate, you should notify your residential college dean or master. Graduate and professional students should notify the contact person for their school, as noted on the Graduate and Professional Flu Guide http://www.yale.edu/secretary/emergency/
documents/StudentGuideforGandP.pdf. Stay in your room or at home to reduce the spread of infection to others, unless you are advised otherwise by a medical professional until you have been without fever or symptoms of fever for 24 hours without the use of fever-reducing medication.

What do I do if my roommate is sick with flu-like symptoms?

If possible, you should find another place to study and sleep until your roommate has recovered.  If you have concerns you may call YUHS at 866-924-YALE (9253) for advice and information on keeping healthy.  Avoid close contact with sick people, including kissing or embracing, sharing eating or drinking utensils, or any other contact between persons likely to result in exposure to respiratory droplets. Close contact typically does not include activities such as walking by an infected person or sitting across from a symptomatic patient in a waiting room, residential space, or office.

What limitations will apply if I’m sick?

If you are ill, all activity should be limited to your room or your home to prevent infecting others.  Common areas, dining halls, classrooms, and mass transit travel must be avoided until you have been fever-free for 24 hours, without the use of fever-reducing medication.  Yale College students should consult with their deans about missed assignments and examinations. Graduate and professional students should call the contact person for their individual school.  G&P students who live in on-campus housing should also contact Graduate Housing at 432-2167 for assistance with arranging for meals and other necessities.

How will I get food if I can’t eat in the Dining Hall?

For undergraduates, the master of your college will be informed that you are to remain in your room, and arrangements will be made to get food and fluids to you.   Make sure to continue fluid intake during the duration of the illness.  Graduate and professional students who live on campus should call Graduate Housing at 432-2167.

If I develop symptoms and am told to stay in my room, how will I get cold/flu supplies?

It is a good idea to have a supply of over-the counter medicines, alcohol-based hand sanitizer, tissue and other related items could be useful.  If you are seen at YUHS, some small amounts of supplies will be provided.

What can I do to stay healthy?  What should I do personally?

Take these everyday steps to protect your health:

  • Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it.
  • Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze. Alcohol-based hand cleaners are also effective.
  • Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs spread this way.
  • Try to avoid close contact with sick people.
  • Be prepared in case you get sick and need to stay home for a week or so; a supply of over-the-counter medicines, alcohol-based hand rubs, tissues and other related items might could be useful and help avoid the need to make trips out in public while you are sick and contagious
  • Washing your hands often will help protect you from germs. Wash with soap and water or clean with alcohol-based hand cleaner. We recommend that when you wash your hands -- with soap and warm water -- that you wash for 15 to 20 seconds. When soap and water are not available, alcohol-based disposable hand wipes or gel sanitizers may be used. You can find them in most supermarkets and drugstores. If using gel, rub your hands until the gel is dry. The gel doesn't need water to work; the alcohol in it kills the germs on your hands.
  • Do not share drinking glasses or phones.
  • Keep your environment clean – wash your bed linens weekly, use antibacterial wipes to clean surfaces in your room.
  • Avoid sharing your computer with others – keep the keyboard clean using a sanitizing wipe.

What foods should I eat or avoid if I’m sick?

The symptoms of the H1N1 Flu can include nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea.  If you have these symptoms, stick to fluids until these symptoms pass.    After you begin to feel better, you can eat foods such as toast, rice, and applesauce, again focusing on getting enough fluids, like water and juices.  Avoid milk and milk-based products throughout your illness, as they may increase the nausea, and increase nasal congestion.

Is there a vaccine?  How will I get it?

While we anticipate an H1N1 Vaccine beginning sometime in October, initial supply limitations will dictate high risk populations as priority.  H1N1 Vaccination Clinic locations and criteria will be communicated via YHP Website http://www.yale.edu/yuhs/  and  http://www.yale.edu/secretary/emergency
The groups recommended to receive the novel H1N1 influenza vaccine include:

  • Pregnant women because they are at higher risk of complications and can potentially provide protection to infants who cannot be vaccinated;
  • Household contacts and caregivers for children younger than 6 months of age because younger infants are at higher risk of influenza-related complications and cannot be vaccinated. Vaccination of those in close contact with infants less than 6 months old might help protect infants by “cocooning” them from the virus;
  • Healthcare and emergency medical services personnel because infections among healthcare workers have been reported and this can be a potential source of infection for vulnerable patients. Also, increased absenteeism in this population could reduce healthcare system capacity;
  • All people from 6 months through 24 years of age
  • Children from 6 months through 18 years of age because we have seen many cases of novel H1N1 influenza in children and they are in close contact with each other in school and day care settings, which increases the likelihood of disease spread, and
  • Young adults 19 through 24 years of age because we have seen many cases of novel H1N1 influenza in these healthy young adults and they often live, work, and study in close proximity, and they are a frequently mobile population; and,
  • Persons aged 25 through 64 years who have health conditions associated with higher risk of medical complications from influenza.

The CDC is also recommending that all eligible people receive the vaccine, even if they have had an illness with flu-like symptoms.  As with the annual seasonal Influenza vaccination, some people will need to be screened more carefully prior to receiving the H1N1 vaccine.  These include people with an allergy to eggs, people who have had problems after receiving seasonal flu shots in the past, or anyone who is moderately or acutely ill at the time of the flu vaccination.  Health care personnel will provide screening at flu clinics.  ALL STUDENTS ARE STRONGLY ENCOURAGED TO RECEIVE THE ANNUAL SEASONAL FLU VACCINE.  Multiple seasonal flu clinics have already been scheduled.  As the H1N1 vaccine becomes available, availability of clinics and priority requirements will be communicated.

When should I seek medical care?  Who do I call?  Where do I go?

All students with flu-like symptoms who are members of the University Health Plan are encouraged to call YUHS at 866-924-YALE (9253).  The staff there will advise you on any actions you need to take.  Report any difficulty breathing, coughing that hurts your chest, shortness of breath, confusion, or high temperatures right away to YUHS or your other primary care physician.

How long will I be sick?  How long will I be contagious?

You are contagious starting a day prior to developing symptoms until you are symptom-free for 24 hours.

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