We are now well into fall and not only has the regular flu season begun, but there has been a resurgence of the H1N1 virus as well.  Many students have been absent from class with flu-like symptoms, while others have been in class worrying about their classmates’ constant coughing; hoping to avoid getting sick themselves. As we move into the holiday season, it is expected that there may be a resurgence of the flu. How can college students cut their risks?

There are two particular worrisome strains of the flu this year: the seasonal flu and H1N1 (sometimes referred to as the Swine Flu).  Both types of flu can be potentially deadly. What makes the H1N1 virus so scary is that it is more severely affecting younger age groups than are usually affected by the seasonal flu.  The seasonal flu is caused by influenza viruses that humans have been in regular contact with for many generations. Most people’s immune systems have been exposed to the seasonal influenza virus at some time in their lives, and their immune system is able to respond to the virus quickly.  In contrast, humans are not commonly exposed to the H1N1 virus so the body does not recognize it and does not respond to it quickly, allowing the virus to become stronger and more difficult to treat.  For some people, this can be very dangerous.

Most of the time the symptoms of H1N1 are not much different from the seasonal flu. These symptoms include fever, cough, sore throat, runny/stuffy nose, body aches, headache, chills, fatigue, vomiting  and diarrhea . Some people have respiratory symptoms with no fever.  Symptoms can range from mild to severe.

What is different about the two types of flu is the populations that are most affected by this virus. Seasonal flu is most likely to be severe in infants or elderly individuals, or those who have a compromised immune system.  With the H1N1 flu, however, people over the age of 65, who were exposed to this virus many years ago, are the least likely to get sick, while individuals under the age of 25 are having more severe complications related to the virus. Other individuals at high risk for developing flu related complications include those who have one or more other health conditions such as pregnancy, diabetes, heart disease, asthma and kidney disease.

According to the Center for Disease Control (CDC), flu activity is widespread in 46 states. Hospitalizations and deaths related to the flu are very high nation-wide and continues to increase compared to what is expected this time of year. In a recent press release, the CDC estimated that from April 2009 to Oct 2009, 22 million people have become ill from the pandemic influenza. Over 98,000 have been hospitalized and 3,900 have died. Children under the age of 18 comprised 540 of the H1N1 related deaths. More than 2,900 adults between the ages of 18 – 64 have died and 440 adults over the age of 65 have died from flu related complications in this 6 month period of time.

College students are at an increased risk for acquiring both the H1N1 virus and the seasonal flu. The flu spreads from person to person in respiratory droplets from coughing and sneezing.  A college campus is a very public and a highly populated place, and flu germs are easily spread through casual contact, and by touching virus germs that have been left behind on door handles, railings and bathroom fixtures.  To decrease your risk of spreading the flu, if you are coughing and sneezing, do it in you sleeve and immediately wash your hands with soap and water or apply an alcohol gel antiseptic.  More importantly, if you are sick and have a fever, do not come to the campus until your fever has been gone for 24 hours.

To avoid contracting the flu, watch where your hands are. Avoid touching the railing when going up and down the stairs, wash your hands with warm soap and water or antiseptic hand gel, use a paper towel to open the door of the bathroom after you’ve washed your hands, keep your hands away from your mouth and get your flu vaccinations.

Unfortunately, there has been a limited amount of both the seasonal flu and H1N1 vaccine available in New Hampshire. The CDC recommends the following individuals should receive the flu vaccine first: health care workers and first responders with direct patient contact, pregnant women, and children 6 months to 18 years with chronic medical conditions for which the available vaccine is appropriate. As more vaccine is made available in the state this list will grow to include people who live with or care for children younger than 6 months of age, all persons between the ages of 6 months and 24-years-old, and people ages of 25 through 64 years of age who are at higher risk for 2009 H1N1 because of chronic health disorders or compromised immune systems.

There are two new resources available to obtain information and updates about H1N1 and the vaccine availability in New Hampshire. You can call 2-1-1 from your phone or you can go to following web site: www.nh.gov/h1n1

In a press release, the Department of Health and Human Services Public Health Director Dr. José Montero stated, “We understand that people are concerned about H1N1, particularly with the delay in vaccines being made and shipped from private manufacturers. But we want to assure the public that the vaccine will be coming.” In the absence of the vaccine, everyone is encouraged to take common sense preventative measures to avoid becoming sick. This includes washing your hands frequently, covering your mouth when you cough or sneeze, and staying home from work or school if you are sick.

If preventative measures have not been effective and you get sick with flu-like symptoms, stay home for at least 24 hours, get plenty of rest, and drink plenty of clear fluid. If you have a fever and aches you can take medications like ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin, Nuprin), acetaminophen (Tylenol) or naproxen (Aleve). Children with flu-like symptoms should not be given aspirin. It can cause a rare but serious illness called Reye’s syndrome.

Seek medical attention  if you or someone you are caring for is having difficulty breathing, is having chest pain, has a purple or blue discoloration of the lips, has a seizure, is less responsive or is showing signs of confusion, or has signs of dehydration such as decreased urination, dizziness, or, in infants, lack of tears when they are crying.

There is a possibility the H1N1 virus season may last several months and that the seasonal flu season is not yet in full swing. For this reason, everyone must remain attentive to preventative measures to keep healthy. Stay up-to-date on news regarding the flu and continue to seek out the vaccine. Local newspapers, TV and internet news outlets are regularly reporting updated information and the Centers for Disease Control website www.CDC.gov is very helpful. Stay informed and stay healthy.