Health Alert

Symptoms

Symptoms of seasonal flu and novel H1N1 flu include: fever (greater than 100°F / 38°C) cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, body aches, headache, chills and fatigue. Some people also may have vomiting and diarrhea. Influenza usually starts suddenly. Other symptoms include:

If you become ill and experience any of the following warning signs, seek emergency medical care immediately:

• Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
• Fever and shaking chills
• Bluish or gray skin color
• Not drinking enough fluids
• Severe or persistent vomiting
• Not waking up or lethargy
• Irritable
• Pain or pressure in the chest or abdomen
• Sudden dizziness
• Confusion
• Flu-like symptoms improve, but then return with fever and worse cough

For a comparison of cold versus flu symptoms go to http://www.mssu.edu/health/cold-vs-flu.htm

 

Following CDC and state guidelines, Student Health Services does not test for H1N1. Testing for H1N1 is performed only at the state public health laboratory and is accepting specimens only from hospitalized patients.

Precautions

There are many things we can do as a community to stay healthy.

• Avoid close contact with others who are sick; keep your distance from others if you are ill.
• Do not come to work or class if you are ill.
• Cover your mouth and nose if you cough or sneeze.
• Discard used tissues in an appropriate trash receptacle, and avoid placing them on any surface that others may touch.
• Wash your hands frequently and/or use a hand sanitizer, especially before eating.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth.
• Practice other good health habits; eat nutritious foods, get plenty of rest, exercise, manage your stress and drink plenty of fluids.

Missouri Southern officials will continue to monitor this outbreak and will communicate any developments that may impact the University community via this web site, email notifications, LioNet announcements, classroom announcements and other means necessary.