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With the start of the new school year, the H1N1 crisis managment team asks students, faculty and staff to focus on preventive measures in dealing with H1N1. This approach coinsides with that of the North Dakota State Health Department and Fargo Cass Public Health, which the team communicates with on a weekly basis.

While H1N1 is a different strain of flu virus, most people recover as they would from the seasonal flu virus. H1N1, in very severe cases, could result in death, but so can other flu viruses. Exposure to H1N1 or any other seasonal flu virus happens days before any flu-like symptoms occur. That is why prevention is the most effective protection against H1N1.

H1N1 responds well to two influence medications commonly used for other seasonal flu viruses, Tamiflu and Relenza.

What can I do to stay healthy?

• Wash hands frequently with soap and water or an alcohol-based sanitizer, especially after coughing or sneezing.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth.
• Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze.
• Use tissues one time only. Discard in wastebasket after use.
• Cough or sneeze into your sleeve if a tissue is not available.
• Stay at least six feet away from anyone you suspect is ill.
• Eat a balanced diet, drink lots of water, exercise regularly and get plenty of rest.
• Get the seasonal flu vaccine.
• Get the H1N1 vaccine when it becomes available.

If you develop flu-like symptoms, NDSU's H1N1 team encourages you to do the following:

• Limit interactions with other people (self-isolation) for a least 24 hours after you no longer have a fever without the use of fever reducing medication.
• If you have a medical condition such as asthma, diabetes, pregnancy or other chronic illnesses, and develop flu-like symptoms, students should call Student Health Services at 1-7331 for further evaluation; faculty and staff, please contact your medical provider.

If someone you are in contact with develops flu-like symptoms, take the following precautions:

• Limit your exposure to that person.
• If contact cannot be avoided, the ill person should wear a surgical mask during the period of contact.
• The Center for Disease Control and the World Health Organization will always err on the side of caution. NDSU is doing the same. NDSU is working with local public health officials, healthcare systems and MSUM and Concordia to address issues from a community perspective.

Updated information on H1N1 as well as any university initialives will be posted at www.ndsu.edu/news.

For more information on H1N1, go to www.cdc.gov.

***A one-day Flu Shot Clinic is planned for Thursday, Oct. 8, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. in the Memorial Union Great Room. The flu shot is available to all North Dakota State University students, faculty and staff and cost $20. Payment can be made cash or check. Students may bill the cost to their student account.

Students who are unable to attend the clinic may make an appointment for a flu shot at the Student Health Service by calling (701) 231-7331.

This flu shot protects against the seasonal flu. The vaccine for the H1N1 (swine flu) will be available at a later date. For more information about the Flu Shot Clinic, call Student Health Service at (701) 231-7331. Other information about the flu and the Flu Clinic is available at www.ndsu.edu/wellness/shs.

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