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H1N1 Information
 
 
 

In order to assist us in managing the impact of H1N1 on our campus, NWC is requesting all students experiencing flu-like symptoms to complete the Influenza/Flu Self-Report.

Northwestern College Health Service offers the following information to help protect you from influenza viruses throughout the school year.

The H1N1 influenza is now widespread throughout the world. Fortunately, the vast majority of cases are mild and, at this point, the virus appears no more virulent or severe than most seasonal influenzas. You should take the same precautions that help protect all of us during any seasonal influenza outbreak.

Flu Symptoms Self Assessment Form
Use this form to help assess what type of illness you are dealing with Self-Assessment form

Minnesota Department of Health-Minnesota FluLine
A new phone-based service is available for Minnesotans who think they may have the flu.Minnesota FluLine

Find a Seasonal Flu Shot Clinic - Minnesota Dept. of Health Find a Seasonal Flu shot Clinic

Prevention
Flu viruses are spread from person to person through coughing or sneezing by people with influenza. A person may also become infected by touching a surface or object with flu viruses on it, and then touching his/her mouth or nose. It is important for all faculty, staff and students to take the following flu/respiratory disease precautions. People with influenza can be contagious as much as one day before they have any symptoms.

  • Avoid contact with sick people. If you are sick, keep at least 6 feet between you and others.
  • Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it. If no tissue is available, cough or sneeze into your sleeve or elbow.
  • 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 are spread in this manner.
  • Do not share food, drink, or utensils.
  • Do not share lip balm/chap stick.
  • Try to avoid close contact with sick people.
  • Frequently clean your living and working quarters. Frequently clean commonly-used surfaces such as doorknobs, refrigerator handles, remote controls, computer keyboards, countertops, faucet handles and bathroom areas.
  • Monitor your health by checking your fever with a thermometer.
  • If you are sick with a flu-like illness, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) recommends that you stay home/or in your dorm room at least 24 hours after your fever is gone--without use of a fever-reducing medicine, except to get medical care. Keep away from others, as much as possible, to keep from infecting them.

What should I do if I get sick?

Influenza symptoms include:

  • Fever (100F / 37.8C) or greater
  • Body aches
  • Runny or stuffy nose
  • Sore throat
  • Nausea, or vomiting or diarrhea
  • Cough
  • Headache
  • Chills
  • Fatigue

If you have these symptoms the college is asking that, if possible, you make arrangements to go home or stay with a relative in the area. We ask that you not return to your residence hall until you are without a fever for 24 hours.

What should I do if I am unable to go home or to a relative's home to recover?
Influenza may cause only mild to moderate symptoms for most students, but for some students the illness could be severe. For the protection of other students and to help contain the spread of this illness on campus, NWC is requesting the student self-isolate, as described below.

Self-Isolation
Self-isolation means not going to class, work (including student work), athletics, social functions and gatherings, clubs, cafeteria or other eating establishments, and areas outside campus. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends self-isolation for 24 hours past the time your fever is gone.

Here are the steps you should follow:

  • Again, if distance allows you to go home and/or a family member is able to come and get you, it is strongly recommended that you do so.
  • If you are unable to go home, you are asked to stay in your residence hall room. Please be sure to complete the Influenza/Flu Self-Report to notify us that you are self-isolating.
  • Contact the Northwestern College Health Service at 651-631-5246 if you have medical concerns or questions about your illness while you are self-isolating.
  • Notify your roommate(s) and close contacts of your illness so they can self-monitor for symptoms.
  • Call or email your Resident Assistant (RA) so they will be aware of your situation on the hall, and be able to help others within the hall to not disturb you during your recuperation.
  • Wearing a mask is strongly recommended if you need to leave your room for any reason. This is for the protection of other students in your living area and for others in the community and beyond.
  • Please note, your health care provider or NWC health services may give you instructions to be away from class, work or activities for a longer period of time depending on your personal situation.

Flu kits will be available containing a disposable thermometer, hand sanitizer, face masks and self-care guidance. These will be located at the Robertson Student Center, Arden Hill Receptionist Desk, and with each RD for residences.

Treatment and Response
The majority of individuals who contract this virus will not need to seek a doctor's treatment, but we are available to assist you at Health Services. Please call us at 651-631-5246 if you are unsure whether or not you need to seek medical care.

Students who are pregnant, or who have a chronic medical condition such as diabetes, cancer, asthma, heart or lung problems, or a weakened immune system, should consult with their physician to see if antiviral medication is needed.

When Health Service is closed and you feel you require medical attention, you should seek medical care at one of the nearby Urgent Care facilities. If this occurs, please notify the On-duty Resident Director.

Warning Signs and Symptoms
If you become ill and experience any of the following warning signs, seek emergency medical care by calling 911 or going to an emergency treatment center.

  • Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
  • Pain or pressure in the chest or abdomen
  • Sudden dizziness
  • Confusion
  • Severe or persistent vomiting
  • Flu-like symptoms improve but then return with worse fever and cough

Medication and Vaccinations
Generally, antiviral medication is prescribed for individuals with the flu who are either hospitalized, have a chronic medical condition, or have a suppressed immune system. Antiviral medication for influenza is not a cure and only reduces symptoms and decreases length of recovery time by about 24 hours.

  • Seasonal influenza vaccine: The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommend that everyone be vaccinated against seasonal influenza. If you have questions about whether you should receive this vaccine, please contact your health provider.
  • Novel H1N1 influenza vaccine: Recent recommendations from the CDC have placed individuals under age 24 among the top priority groups for receiving the novel H1N1 influenza vaccine. This vaccine is not yet available. More information will be available in the coming months.
Additional Information

If you have any questions, please contact Health Service at 651-631-5246. If you have been seen by an off-campus provider with symptoms, please contact Northwestern College Health Service to inform us if you have been diagnosed with influenza or H1N1.