Prevention Tips
Please help protect your own health and that of your campus community by learning what precautions you can take to lower the risk of spreading or contracting influenza and making a Personal Influenza Plan just in case you do get sick. For more information, go to www.flu.gov/plan/individual
Precautions and Planning
- Get your own thermometer, ibuprofen, acetaminophen, and tissues.
- Maintain your own supply of hand soap and/or gel hand sanitizer (at least 60% alcohol content).
- Put Student Health Services in your phone: 320-308-3191.
- Bookmark www.stcloudstate.edu/emergency/flu and watch it regularly. The only thing we can be certain of is that the situation will change throughout the semester, but we can’t predict exactly how, so you should keep checking for relevant updates.
- Make a Personal Influenza Plan. Do you have any health condition that might put you at higher risk for more severe illness (see "high-risk" below). Where will you recuperate if you get sick? If you live alone, who will help if you need groceries or other suppliers brought to you? Where do you keep the contact info for everyone you should alert if you have to self-isolate (Instructors, employer, etc.)? Use the information on this 2-page sheet to help you think through your plan.
- “High-risk” medical conditions are defined as: asthma or other chronic pulmonary disease; cancer; cardiovascular disease; diabetes; pregnancy; weakened immune system; or kidney, liver, blood, or neurological disorders.
- Start a good hand washing habit. Always wash with soap or hand sanitizer for at least 20 seconds before eating, drinking, or preparing food; after using the bathroom; and if you cough or sneeze into a tissue.
- Practice coughing and sneezing into your sleeve. Viruses can’t stay viable as long or spread as easily from there as they can from your hands.
- Try to keep hands away from eyes, nose, and mouth. Wash hands more often if you smoke or bite your nails.
- Get your seasonal flu shot now Student Health Services no longer has vaccine available. Check with local clinics or pharmacies for availability.
- When H1N1 flu shots are offered, get them.
- If you are in close contact with someone who has the flu…don’t panic, and don’t blame. Influenza may be very common on campus this fall, and people may get sick despite their best efforts. Most students will not need to take any special actions based on ordinary exposure.
However, students with “high-risk” conditions should call their healthcare providers promptly, as medication may be recommended in some cases to prevent influenza. For Health Services: (320) 308-3191.
| Cold |
vs. |
Flu |
| comes on gradually |
|
comes on quickly |
| fever unlikely |
|
fever probable |
| cough possible |
|
dry cough possible |
| Sore throat possible |
|
sore throat possible |
| stomach feels okay |
|
vomiting, diarrhea possible |
| body aches unlikely |
|
body aches possible |
| chills unlikely |
|
chills possible |
| stuffy/runny nose possible |
|
stuffy/runny nose possible |
Further questions can be emailed to SCSU Student Health Services at flu@stcloudstate.edu
