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H1N1 Situation Update – September 29, 2009

Wed Sep 30 13:12:00 CDT 2009

New cases of H1N1 continue to be reported throughout our faculty, staff, and student body. Some have expressed concern that it is not always easy to know if they are sick with the flu, a cold, or other illness. Others are asking questions about when someone with flu symptoms should seek medical care. This week, I want to provide information that should be helpful in addressing these concerns.

A rapid onset fever of 100 degrees F or higher is one distinguishing symptom of flu. It is very uncommon but there have been instances in which a person has flu without a fever. Fever is rare with a cold. If someone's temperature returns to normal and then fever returns, this can be a sign of a secondary bacterial infection that may require an antibiotic. This person should contact his or her primary care provider. Chills can accompany fever. As many as 60% of people with flu will have chills. Chills are not common with a cold.

Body aches are associated with both fever and flu. The difference is that they are severe in cases of flu. Fatigue is also a symptom of both the fever and flu. Again, the symptoms are much more severe in flu than a cold. People with flu tend to have a dry cough (they do not bring up any mucous) and complain of severe discomfort in their chests. Those with a cold frequently have a hacking, mucous-producing cough. Chest discomfort with a cold is very mild. A stuffy nose is common with the cold and usually resolves within a week. Flu is also associated with a runny nose.

A sore throat can be associated with both flu and cold but is more common with a cold. Having said that, sore throats have been associated with H1N1. A headache is uncommon with a cold, but up to 80% of those with flu complain of headache. Sneezing is not associated with flu, but is common with a cold. Nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea are not usually associated with either flu or a cold; however, all of these have been associated with H1N1, particularly in children. Finally, colds tend to develop over time, whereas flu symptoms tend to develop rapidly (within 3-6 hours) and tend to be severe from the onset.

Not everyone who has flu will need to see a health care provider. Most recover within a few days, and with H1N1 in particular, have a mild illness. There are those who are at higher risk of developing more severe disease. This includes those with asthma or other respiratory illnesses, those who have compromised immune systems, are pregnant, have heart disease, or are obese, along with those who have some other chronic conditions.

Signs that flu is worsening in adults and that immediate medical attention is necessary include difficulty in breathing or shortness of breath, pain or pressure in the chest or abdomen, sudden dizziness or confusion and/or severe or persistent vomiting. Flu symptoms in children that indicate immediate medical attention is warranted include rapid breathing or trouble breathing, bluish skin color, not drinking enough fluids, not waking up or not interacting, and being so irritable that the child does not want to be held. In children, flu-like symptoms can improve but then return with fever and worse cough and/or fever with a rash.

If you have H1N1, or someone you know on campus has H1N1, please use our on-line reporting system to tell us. Here is the link: ASU-H1N1 Flu Prevention and Reporting. This helps us know who needs assistance as well as helping us track the number of cases that exist within our campus community. There are many links on our H1N1 site that provide you with vital information. Most of the answers to questions you may have can be found at those links. Should you need more information, please contact the Student Health Center at (870) 972-2054, the Department of Student Affairs at (870) 972-3355, or me (dpersell@astate.edu, at 870-972-3074).

Dr. Deborah Persell, the author of this H1N1 update, is an associate professor of Nursing in ASU's College of Nursing and Health Professions, coordinator of the Regional Center for Disaster Preparedness Education, and an expert in Emergency Management and Homeland Security. Contact Dr. Persell (dpersell@astate.edu) at (870) 972-3074.

Visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention at http://www.cdc.gov/H1N1flu/qa.htm
for questions and answers about 2009's H1N1 flu.