Patient Care Instructions/Information H1N1

INFLUENZA (H1N1) or Influenzia Like Infection (ILI)

 

Patient Care Instructions/Information

 

Influenza or better known as the “Flu” is caused by a specific virus that causes sudden onset of fever, cough, body aches, chills, decreased appetite, and nausea & vomiting.  The novel H1N1, also known as Swine Flu, is similar to the seasonal flu, but is different in that this flu may be spread during the summer months as well.  The symptoms usually appear 1-2 days after having been exposed to the virus.  Because Flu is caused by a virus, antibiotics are not effective.  However, there are some medications that can be prescribed to shorten the course of your illness and decrease the severity of your symptoms.  In order to be effective, these medications have to be prescribed within the first 24 to 48 hours of your illness.

 

During Illness

 

1. Increase fluid intake (offer water, broth, sports drinks, crushed ice, and popsicles) 
2. May take one of the following for headache, fever, or body aches, providing you have no known allergy to the medication.  (Fever usually declines after a few days, but you may have a low grade fever (less than 100 F) for up to 1 week.)
   1. Tylenol 650 mg or 1000 mg every 4-6 hours
   2.  Ibuprofen (Advil) 400 mg every 6 hours with food
   3. Aleve 200 mg every 6-8 hours
   DO NOT TAKE ANY ASPIRIN PRODUCTS

 

3. You will not feel your usual self, so try to get as much rest as possible. (Fatigue and weakness may persist for 1-2 weeks.)

 

4. Avoid smoking or second hand smoke exposure.

 

5. Avoid being around others as much as possible.  Do not attend class or work until you have been free of fever for at least 24 hours without having to take fever-reducing medication, like Tylenol, Ibuprofen, or Aleve, to make you fever free.  Wear a mask if you leave your residence hall room to use a shared bathroom, to seek medical care, or if someone is in your room with you.

 

6. Throat lozenges, decongestants, RobitussinDM, or saline nasal spray may make you more comfortable.

 

7. Antibiotics will not help your Flu symptoms, but may be needed if you have another infection along with the Flu (i.e. ear infection, strep throat).

8. Go to an emergency room for any of the following symptons:

 

1. shortness of breath
2. difficulty taking a full breath
3. high fever (above 103); prolonged fever for more than 3 days; or relapsed fever after being free of fever
4. drowiness
5. confusion
6. severe headache (not relieved with Tylenol, Ibuprofen, Aleve (no Aspirin Products), or other pain meds
7. stiff neck
8. persistent vomiting
9. chest pain
10. flu like symptoms that improve but then return with fever and worse cough.

 

 

 

Patient Care Instructions/Information page 2

 

 

 

CALL/EMAIL YOUR PROFESSORS/INSTRUCTORS TO INFORM THEM OF YOUR ILLNESS TO SEE IF THERE IS A DISTANCE LEARNING METHOD IN PLACE TO CONTINUE YOUR STUDIES AND ASSIGNMENTS.

If you live in a University residential dorm/facility, but during your illness will reside off-campus, tell your RA or proctor.

INFORM YOUR UNIVERSITY RESIDENTIAL ROOMMATE. Make every attempt to live off-campus during your illness, which may be 7 days.

WHEN IN ISOLATION, WEAR A MASK IN SHARED SPACES, SUCH AS BATHROOMS, OR WHEN INTERACTING WITH OTHERS. BUY MASK FROM WALGREENS, ETC. KEEP A SUPPLY ONHAND FOR YOU AND YOUR ROOMATE(S)/HOUSEHOLD MEMBERS/CLOSE CONTACTS.

CLEAN OFTEN YOUR SPACE, INCLUDING DOOR KNOBS AND APPLIANCES, WITH A MULTIPURPOSE CLEANER.

The University residential dorm/facilitywill help you (the isolated student) identify a meal buddy and the residential dorm/facility will inform ARAMARK that someone MAY utilize your meal card. If you are not on a meal plan or don’t have dining dollars, the residential dorm/facility will have meals developed for you and bill your account.

someone from the school of nursing will contact you to track your progress during your illness if you live in a University residential dorm/facility. be sure the information you gave student health services is correct, such as phone numbers and emails.

The CONTACT FROM THE school of nursing will inform you when you can remove yourself from isolation and RESUME NORMAL DAILY ACTIVITY/go back to class and work.

 

Tips for avoiding illness or spreading the disease:

·         Wash hands often with soap

·         Use antibacterial wipes to frequently clean room surfaces

·         Avoid touching eyes, nose, and mouth

·         Cough or sneeze into your sleeve, or bend of your arm, not your hand

·         Get a seasonal flu and the H1N1 vaccine shots, to avoid getting the flu.

 

For a list of Minor Medical Facilities and Specialty Clinics located off campus and available after hours, visit this site: http://saweb.memphis.edu/health/Health_Services/resources.htm. If you have a question concerning the services offered at any of the facilities listed below, please call the facility directly.