Skip to Local Navigation
Skip to Content
California State University, Long Beach
Counseling & Psychological Services
Print this pageAdd this page to your favoritesSelect a small fontSelect a medium fontSelect a large font
 

Anxious About Swine Flu?

Influenza-Like Illness (ILI) Guidelines

October 29, 2009

Symptoms

H1N1 and seasonal flu have similar symptoms: fever with cough and/or sore throat. Other symptoms of Influenza-like Illness (ILI) include body aches, headache, chills and fatigue. H1N1 also may cause diarrhea and vomiting.

Guidelines

1. High risk individuals with symptoms of ILI should seek immediate medical attention.

High risk factors include pregnancy, asthma, chronic pulmonary, cardiovascular, hepatic, hematological, neurologic, neuromuscular disorders, metabolic disorders such as diabetes, and immune suppression (including immune suppression caused by medication or by HIV).

2. Others with symptoms of ILI should stay home for at least 24 hours after fever is gone.

However, if symptoms become serious, individuals should seek medical attention. Most may not see a medical practitioner. Recovered students may return to class without a doctor’s note attesting to illness. Instructors are requested not to send students to Student Health Services only to acquire a physician’s note. In considering student requests to withdraw from courses, flu illness will be considered a “serious and compelling reason.”

3. Use good hand hygiene and/or a hand sanitizing agent.

This is particularly useful in locations with a high volume of face to face activity.

4. Facilities Management custodial staff perform routine cleaning of classrooms.

In locations with frequently touched equipment such as computer keyboards, countertops, or telephones, individuals are encouraged to have available hand sanitizing agents and to wipe down surfaces regularly.

5. If students exhibit influenza-like illness as they arrive in class, faculty may encourage a visit to Student Health Services.
6. If faculty or staff members are informed of a laboratory-confirmed case of H1N1 influenza or become aware of a cluster (five or more) of ILI cases in a specific class, residence, or workplace, please notify Student Health Services (Dr. Michael Carbuto, mcarbuto@csulb.edu).

Cancellation of classes based on suspected or confirmed cases of H1N1 is not necessary or advised.