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H1N1 FAQs

What is novel H1N1 flu?

Novel H1N1 is a flu virus that appears to spread from person-to-person much the same way as the seasonal flu, primarily through coughing and sneezing. Novel H1N1 flu has been classified as a “pandemic” because of how far it has spread throughout the world. But the severity of novel H1N1 illness remains no worse than seasonal influenza for most people, and those with the virus typically recover without the need for hospitalization or a doctor’s care.

What are the symptoms of novel H1N1 flu? Are they different from the seasonal flu?


To date, the symptoms of novel H1N1 are very similar to the symptoms of the seasonal flu and include: fever, cough, sore throat, body aches, headache, chills and fatigue. Some people with novel H1N1 also have vomiting and diarrhea.

What should I do if I have flu symptoms?


It is important for all people who are sick with flu-like symptoms to stay home and recover -- this will help to reduce the spread of infection. Those with suspected or confirmed flu should not return to class or work until they have been fever-free for 24 hours, without the aid of fever-reducing medications, such as acetaminophen (Tylenol®) or ibuprofen (Advil® or Motrin®).

If you are a student on the Danforth Campus and are experiencing flu-like symptoms, contact or visit Student Health Services at the Habif Health and Wellness Center in the Nathan Dardick House on the South 40. Health Services staff on the Danforth Campus also can be reached during and after business hours by calling 314-935-6666. If you leave your room to visit Student Health Services, wear a surgical mask en route, if one is available, or avoid close contact with people, including coughing or sneezing on others.
If you are a student on the School of Medicine campus, call the Washington University Student Health Services at 314-362-3523.
For staff and faculty, please notify your supervisor or department head. If you need medical attention, please consult your physician.
If you are a patient with an appointment to see a Washington University physician and you have flu-like symptoms, please call your doctor’s office first to let them know. If the visit is not urgent, you may be asked to reschedule. If you must be seen for treatment or testing, you will be asked to wear a surgical mask while you are around health-care workers or other patients.


If I have flu symptoms, shouldn’t I go to my doctor’s office or to the hospital?


Most people won’t need to go to the doctor or emergency room for treatment or testing. That’s because most cases of novel H1N1 are mild, and people typically will get better just by staying home, getting plenty of rest, drinking lots of fluids, and taking over-the-counter pain relievers, such as acetaminophen (Tylenol®) or ibuprofen (Advil® or Motrin®) to alleviate flu symptoms.

For people with severe influenza or with underlying medical conditions (as listed below) that put them at high risk for flu complications, antiviral medicines like Tamiflu® or Relenza® may be prescribed to lessen symptoms. These medications are most effective when they are taken soon after the onset of flu symptoms. To determine whether you should be prescribed antiviral medicines, call your medical provider. If you are a student on the Danforth Campus, call Student Health Services at 314-935-6666. If you are a student on the School of Medicine campus, call the Washington University Student Health Services at 362-3523.

People under age 5, over age 65, or those with underlying health conditions, such as:

Pregnancy
Diabetes
Chronic lung, heart, kidney, liver, blood, neurological or neuromuscular conditions
Compromised immune systems, due to HIV or medications

are at higher risk for complications from novel H1N1 flu and should seek prompt medical attention if they have a fever and other flu-like symptoms.

What are Tamiflu® and Relenza®, and should I be taking one of them?


Tamiflu® and Relenza® are antiviral medicines, available by prescription. Either medicine may shorten the duration of flu symptoms by 24 to 36 hours if taken soon after symptoms appear, and may lower the risk of severe complications for those sick enough to require hospitalization. Antiviral medications are usually not necessary for otherwise healthy people with the flu, as most recover uneventfully without treatment. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention currently recommends treatment with antiviral medications if novel H1N1 flu is suspected and the patient is sick enough to require hospitalization, or if the patient has underlying medical conditions that put them at risk for flu complications.

If I have flu symptoms, do I need to wear a mask?


It is recommended that those who are diagnosed with the flu or who have flu-like symptoms stay home until they are fever-free for 24 hours without fever-reducing medications. For those with flu symptoms who must leave their homes, it is recommended that they wear surgical masks in public to minimize the spread of the virus.

Will the seasonal flu vaccine work against the novel H1N1 flu?


The seasonal flu vaccine does not protect you against novel H1N1 flu. However, the seasonal flu is always a concern and vaccination is the best prevention strategy. Obtaining a seasonal flu vaccine will help prevent you from contracting the seasonal flu and from passing it to others. Seasonal flu vaccine clinics will be available on both the Danforth and medical school campuses for students, faculty and staff.

When can I get a novel H1N1 flu vaccine?


The novel H1N1 vaccine is expected to be available in limited quantities in late fall. The government will distribute the vaccine through state health departments, which will send it to local health departments, hospitals and doctors’ offices.-When the vaccine is available, more information will be provided about how to get it.

Who is recommended to get the novel H1N1 flu vaccine?


Groups at high risk for infection or its complications are recommended to be vaccinated first. These groups include:

Pregnant women
People who live with or care for infants under 6 months of age (such as parents, siblings and day-care providers)
Health-care workers and emergency medical services personnel with direct patient contact
Children ages 6 months to 4 years
Children ages 5 to 18 who have chronic medical conditions

As more vaccine becomes available, other priority groups can get vaccinated, including adults ages 19 to 64 with chronic underlying medical conditions that place them at higher risk for flu-related complications. People over age 65 appear to be at lower risk for H1N1 and are not in the priority groups for H1N1 vaccination.

Besides vaccination, what other strategies can prevent flu?


Get proper rest, nutrition and exercise.
Regularly wash your hands with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze. Alcohol-based hand cleaners are also effective.
Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you sneeze or cough. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it.
If you don't have a tissue, cough or sneeze into your elbow or upper arm, not your hand.
Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Flu viruses spread this way.