1) What is H1N1 Flu?
According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, novel H1N1 Flu, commonly referred to as swine flu, is a new strain of the influenza virus which has been causing illness in the United States since April.
The virus has spread from person-to-person worldwide in a similar fashion to regular seasonal flu. In June, the World Health Organization declared a novel H1N1 flu pandemic was underway worldwide.
The term “swine flu” was first used to describe the virus when laboratory tests showed genetic similarities between the new virus and influenza strains which usually infect pigs in North America. Recent studies have disassociated these strains.
2) How does H1N1 Flu differ from a seasonal flu?
The United States averages about 36,000 deaths and 200,000 people are hospitalized from seasonal influenza-related complications each year, according to data from the CDC. About 90 percent of deaths and 60 percent of hospitalizations occur in people over the age of 65.
According to the CDC, novel H1N1 flu has caused fewer deaths in people over the age of 65. However, underlying conditions such as pregnancy, asthma and diabetes which can lead to complications, are associated with increased risk from the virus.
The symptoms of H1N1 flu are similar to those of a seasonal flu, including dry coughing, high fever, sore throat and body aches.
“This flu is not worse than the seasonal flu,” said Christine Sullivan, nurse manager for the Student Health Center. “It’s a milder case of the flu, but it spreads relatively easily.”
The CDC reported a significant number of people infected with the virus have also experienced diarrhea and vomiting.
Health care providers are generally treating H1N1 flu in the same fashion as a seasonal flu, which includes treatment with Tamiflu to weaken symptoms, isolation and general wellness techniques like rest and fluids.
3) Where is the flu in the United States?
By June 19, all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands all reported cases of novel H1N1 infection.
Though exact numbers were kept during the early stages of the outbreak, the CDC has stopped counting confirmed American cases.
Since the outbreak began, about there have been about 400 H1N1 related deaths in the United States.
Louisiana reported about 350 cases since the spring, with the first death reported in New Orleans on Aug. 13.
On Aug. 15, the University announced more than 20 students were diagnosed with influenza during the past week. The students have been advised to remain home for at least a week or until 24 hours after symptoms disappear.
The Health Center said it is seeing increased numbers of students with flu-like symptoms since students began returning from summer vacation.
4) How can you prevent getting sick?
There is no vaccine available to protect against novel H1N1 virus, and the expected date for one has been moved back to the spring, according to Arthur Goulas, director of the Health Center.
“Prevention is our No. 1 goal, and hopefully H1N1 will just run it’s course,” Sullivan said.
Sullivan said the same tactics used to prevent seasonal flu can be used to prevent novel H1N1 from spreading.
Students are encouraged to wash their hands often, especially using alcohol-based hand sanitizers.
Sullivan suggested using disposable tissues and avoiding contact with eyes, noses and mouthes. Sick people should also be avoided.
5) What should you do if you develop flu-like symptoms?
Students who experience flu-like symptoms are encouraged to visit the Health Center for testing.
Sullivan said a nasal swab can determine between Type A influenza and Type B influenza.
All Type A influenza cases are being treated as H1N1 cases because it is not the time of year for seasonal influenza. A test to confirm whether the case is actually caused by the H1N1 virus is comparatively expensive and would provide no extra treatment options.
Sullivan said people with flu symptoms should follow the drug regiment prescribed by the health center or by a doctor. The sick should also isolate themselves for about seven days and remain at home until 24 hours after symptoms disappear.
The Health Center said isolation, rest and fluid intake are as important in recovering from the H1N1 virus as with a seasonal flu.
“I just hope everyone is as understanding as they need to be while this is going on,” Sullivan said. “It’s in our hands to try and control this.”
6) Where can I find more information?
The University’s Emergency Operations Center and Health Center are carefully monitoring the emergence of the H1N1 virus on campus.
Students are encouraged to remain informed and to practice good hygiene both on and off campus to prevent further spread of the illness.
More University information can be found at:
http://www.lsu.edu/safety/ERP/influenza.shtml
 
—-Contact Adam Duvernay at [email protected]