Influenza FAQs

How many doses of H1N1 vaccine will I need?
According to the CDC, people 10 years of age and older should get one dose of the H1N1 flu vaccine. Dosing schedules for children have not been determined, but should be available soon.

Will the seasonal flu vaccine also protect against the H1N1 flu?
No. This year, there are two separate vaccines: one for seasonal flu and one for H1N1. The two vaccines are manufactured in the same way, but the H1N1 vaccine protects only against H1N1 influenza, and the seasonal flu vaccine protects only against seasonal influenza.

For maximum protection against both H1N1 and seasonal flu, get both flu vaccines and practice preventative measures.

I was vaccinated against the 1976 swine flu. Do I need to get the H1N1 vaccine this year?
Yes. The 1976 swine flu virus and the 2009 H1N1 virus are different enough that it's unlikely a person vaccinated in 1976 will have full protection from the 2009 H1N1. Even if you were vaccinated in 1976, you should still get the H1N1 vaccine in 2009.

I already had the flu. Should I get a flu shot?
Most people who have had the flu in the past should get a flu shot.

• If you had the flu before late spring 2009, get both the seasonal flu vaccine and the H1N1 flu vaccine.
• Unless you saw a doctor and tested positive specifically for H1N1 influenza, get both the seasonal flu vaccine and the H1N1 flu vaccine.

Influenza-like symptoms can be caused by many other viruses, even during flu season. The rapid flu test that doctors can do in their offices is not the same as the specific test that determines whether an illness is caused by a specific strain of influenza or by some other virus. That test is done for disease surveillance only and the results can take several days to come back. Since the treatments for H1N1 and seasonal flu are essentially the same, most people with flu symptoms were not tested specifically for H1N1. If you had H1N1 influenza as confirmed by an "RT-PCR test," you should have some immunity against the 2009 H1N1 flu and can choose not to get the vaccine this year. However, any immunity to the 2009 H1N1 virus will not provide protection against seasonal influenza. For protection against the seasonal flu, get a seasonal flu shot.

Will either the seasonal or H1N1 flu shot make me sick?
The viruses in both shots are killed (inactivated), so you cannot get the flu from a flu shot. Some minor side effects that could occur are:

• Soreness, redness, or swelling where the shot was given
• Fever (low)
• Body aches

If these problems occur, they begin soon after the shot and usually last 1 to 2 days. Almost everyone who gets a flu shot experiences no serious problems from it. However, on rare occasions, flu vaccination can cause serious problems, such as severe allergic reactions.

Can I get the live flu vaccine nasal spray at UHS?
Seasonal: No. Due to the expense and the restrictions on its use, UHS does not provide the live seasonal influenza vaccine nasal spray.

H1N1: Unknown. It will depend on what the State of Texas sends to UT, which depends on a number of factors that the federal government is using to manage distribution of the vaccine. Bookmark this site and check back for updates.

Where can I get more information about the flu vaccines and their possible side effects?
For more information about the flu vaccines, click the links below:

• Seasonal Influenza Vaccine Information Sheet
• H1N1 Influenza Vaccine Information Sheet (inactivated shot)
• H1N1 Influenza Vaccine Information Sheet (nasal spray, live vaccine)

What if I am allergic to eggs, can I get either vaccine?
If you have ever had a severe allergic reaction to eggs or to a previous flu shot in the past, talk with a doctor before you get a flu shot.

Life-threatening allergic reactions are very rare, but are more likely to occur among people with a severe allergy to eggs because the viruses used in both the seasonal flu and the H1N1 vaccines are grown in hen's eggs. Signs of serious allergic reaction can include breathing problems, hoarseness or wheezing, hives, paleness, weakness, a fast heartbeat, or dizziness. If reactions do occur, it is within a few minutes to a few hours after the shot.

What if I am allergic to thimersol, can I get either vaccine?
For information about thimersol and the seasonal flu shot, click here:

For information about thimersol and the H1N1 flu shot, click here:

I'm pregnant. Should I get these vaccines?
Yes, you should get both, but only in the form of the injection, not the nasal mist. CDC recommends these because a pregnant woman who gets any type of flu is at risk for serious complications and hospitalization. Pregnant women who are otherwise healthy have been severely impacted by the 2009 H1N1 influenza virus (formerly called "novel H1N1 flu" or "swine flu").

In comparison to the general population, a greater proportion of pregnant women infected with the 2009 H1N1 influenza virus have been hospitalized. In addition, severe illness and death has occurred in pregnant women. Six percent of confirmed fatal 2009 H1N1 flu cases thus far have been in pregnant women while only about 1% of the general population is pregnant. While hand washing, staying away from ill people, and other steps can help to protect pregnant women from influenza, vaccination is the single best way to protect against the flu.

If You Are Sick

What are the signs and symptoms of the flu?
The symptoms of H1N1 and seasonal flu are similar. They generally include:

• Fever greater than 100° F
• Cough
• Sore throat
• Body aches
• Headache
• Runny or stuffy nose
• Extreme fatigue
• Nausea, diarrhea, and vomiting (more common with H1N1 than with seasonal flu)

Illnesses with a lot of nasal congestion and mild fever are probably not the flu. Illnesses with only diarrhea and vomiting are probably not H1N1 flu, although some with a confirmed case of H1N1 have had such symptoms. People may have only one or two symptoms besides a fever, or they may have many.

Most people who have been sick recover without needing medical treatment. But serious complications like pneumonia can occur, and may be more likely in people with an underlying medical condition.

I have flu symptoms. What should I do?

• Stay home or in your room and limit contact with others to avoid infecting them.
• You should not leave your home or dorm room except to seek medical care if needed.
• Do not go to class and/or work.
• Avoid other activities as well, such as travel, shopping, social events, and public gatherings.
• You'll be miserable and others will not appreciate the exposure.
• Get lots of rest. Seriously.
• Drink plenty of non-caffeinated fluids (such as water, juice, tea, sports drinks) to keep from becoming dehydrated.
• Avoid alcohol.
• Eat well balanced, nutritional foods.
• If you live in a residence hall, ask your RA how you can have meals delivered to your room.
• Ask a friend to go to the store to get your foods so as to limit your public exposure.
• Monitor your temperature.
• The CDC recommends that you stay home for at least 24 hours after your fever is gone without the use of fever-reducing medications. Stay away from others as much as possible to keep from making them sick. How long is someone with the flu contagious?
• Ease your symptoms with over-the-counter medications and specific home remedies.

Self-Care / Home Remedy		Why
Rest		Whenever possible, rest in bed when you have a cold or the flu. Your body needs energy to fight off infection, so getting enough rest may help speed your recovery time.
Avoid close contact		When someone with a cold or the flu coughs or sneezes, viruses can travel up to six feet through the air.
Drink lots of fluids		Drinking more of the right kinds of fluids can loosen mucus, which can ease congestion and make coughing productive. Fluids also prevent dehydration. Drink plenty of non-caffeinated beverages (water, juice, teas, and sports drinks).
Humidifiers or shower steam		Warm, moist air can relieve congestion and make it easier to breathe.
Tissues		Instead of a handkerchief, use disposable tissues. Don't lay used tissues on surfaces like a desk or nightstand. Toss them directly into a wastebasket to avoid spreading the virus.
Chicken soup		Chicken soup contains a mucus-thinning amino acid called cysteine; and some research shows that chicken soup may help control congestion-causing cells called neutrophils.
Hot tea		Hot liquids help thin mucous and loosen congestion. Some hot liquids can soothe a sore throat.
Saline nasal spray/wash		Use a saline nasal spray or wash to help break down sinus congestion and remove virus particles and bacterial from your nasal passages. You can buy saline sprays and washes in any drugstore or make your own saline wash to use with a neti pot.
Warm salt water gargle		Gargling with warm salt water can moisten a sore or scratchy throat and temporarily relieve pain. Try a teaspoon of salt dissolved in a glass of warm water four times daily. (Don't swallow the salt water. Just spit it out when you're finished.)
Acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) for fever , sore throat, body aches*		To relieve or reduce pain and discomfort so you can rest.
Decongestant *		For sinus congestion that keeps you from getting enough rest when the above suggestions do not help.
Cough drops, expectorant *		For coughing that keeps you from getting enough rest.

*CAUTION - Many cold and cough medicines contain acetaminophen or ibuprofen. Check the active ingredients and take no more than one medicine containing acetaminophen at a time. You can always ask a pharmacist to help you find the right medication.

What should I do if my symptoms worsen?

• If you saw a medical provider, call their office for advice.
• If you have been taking care of yourself at home, but your symptoms are worsening, seek prompt medical attention.
• If you are a student, call the UHS 24-Hour Nurse Advice Line at (512) 475-6877
• UT faculty and staff should contact their primary care provider

When should I see a doctor?
See a health care professional ONLY if:

• Your symptoms are severe, especially with the first 48 hours of illness.
• You have an underlying health condition or risk such as diabetes, asthma or other chronic lung conditions, a compromised immune system, or pregnancy.
• Your condition worsens (i.e. you have difficulty breathing through your mouth, pain or pressure in the chest, a very high fever, persistent vomiting, etc.).
• Flu-like symptoms improve but then return with a fever and a worse cough.

Note: Faculty should not require verification from students who were absent because of influenza-like illness. Parents and students may refer to information provided to the faculty in a memo from the provost.

To schedule an appointment at UHS, call (512) 471-4955.

What emergency warning signs require urgent medical care?
Seek urgent medical care if you have any of these emergency warning signs:

• Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
• Pain or pressure in the chest or abdomen
• Sudden and persistent dizziness
• Confusion
• Severe or persistent vomiting
• Flu-like symptoms improve but then return with fever and worsening cough

For medical emergencies, call 911 or go to the closest emergency room.

UT students who are ill and are not sure what to do can call the UHS 24-Hour Nurse Advice Line at (512) 475-6877.

Do I need to call or visit UHS if I think I have the flu?
It depends. So far, the majority of those infected with H1N1 have reported mild to moderate symptoms. Typical recovery is about 4-5 days without needing medical treatment. However, UT students with any of the following conditions should call UHS:

• Those with severe symptoms, especially if it is within the first 48 hours of illness
• Students at high risk for influenza complications:
• Pregnant women
• People with the following conditions:
• Chronic lung (including asthma), cardiovascular (except hypertension), kidney, liver, blood (including sickle cell disease), neurologic, neuromuscular, or metabolic disorders (including diabetes)
• People who have immunodeficiency or immuno-suppression, including that caused by medications (such as corticosteroids and chemotherapy) or diseases such as HIV/AIDS
• Adults 65 and older (at risk mainly for complications from seasonal influenza rather than H1N1)

Call the UHS 24-Hour Nurse Advice Line at (512) 475-6877. Professional nurses follow specific triage guidelines to help determine whether and when an ill or injured student should see a healthcare provider.

If you are ill but you have no severe symptoms or high-risk conditions, please stay home until your illness has passed.

How is UHS caring for students with the flu?

• Nurse triage: When a student calls or comes to UHS with flu symptoms, a nurse talks with them about their symptoms and general health history. Students are then triaged according to what is most appropriate for their situation, which could be either a clinic appointment or self-care advice.
• Appointments with a physician, nurse practitioner or physician assistant, based on a patient's symptoms and risk for complications. UHS reserves several appointments per provider per day so as to be able to accommodate our patients who need to be seen the same day.
• Digital thermometers: Students who come to UHS with flu symptoms but do not have a thermometer are given one so that they can monitor their temperature. UHS has also distributed some thermometers to UT residence halls and several off-campus residence halls.
• Cold kits: When a student comes in with nasal congestion and a sore throat, UHS gives them a "cold kit" to help them start treating their symptoms. These kits contain non-prescription medications and information about self-care for these symptoms.

What are the tests for the influenza virus?

• Rapid flu test: done in the clinic while the patient is waiting. The test that UHS uses can differentiate between Influenza A and B, but it does not subtype the virus.
• Influenza culture: sent to the Texas Department of State Health Services. Done for public health reasons. Results take several weeks -- long after the infection has resolved.
• Note: the CDC has determined that testing for H1N1 is no longer necessary since the pandemic has been declared.

Are there medications to treat H1N1 and/or seasonal flu?
Yes. The CDC recommends the antiviral drugs oseltamivir (Tamiflu) or zanamivir (Relenza) to treat H1N1 and certain strains of seasonal flu, but only for severely ill (hospitalized) patients and for people with the flu who also have a condition such as a chronic illness or compromised immune system that places them at high risk for serious flu-related complications.

Antiviral drugs are prescription medicines that fight the flu by keeping the viruses from reproducing in your body. If you get the flu, antiviral drugs can reduce the severity of symptoms and shorten the duration that you are sick by one or two days. Antiviral drugs must be started within 48 hours of the onset of symptoms to be effective.

Antiviral drugs like Tamiflu are not a substitute for vaccination. In fact, the CDC discourages the use of antiviral medications to prevent infection in healthy children and adults who might be exposed to the flu. Overuse of these antiviral drugs increases the chance that H1N1 will become resistant to them like some strains of seasonal flu already have. In that case, these medications would no longer benefit those who really need them.

Antibiotics are not effective against any kind of flu. However, a healthcare provider may prescribe them if the patient develops a secondary bacterial infection.

Can I get Tamiflu at UHS?
Maybe. In accordance with guidelines issued by the CDC and DSHS, UHS will prescribe antiviral medications only under certain conditions:

• For people with influenza who also have a condition such as a chronic illness or compromised immune system that places them at high risk for serious flu-related complications.
  Who is at risk for complications from the flu?
• For severely ill (hospitalized) patients

In both cases, antiviral drugs must be started within 48 hours of the onset of symptoms to be effective. UHS will prescribe antiviral medications only under these conditions.

To learn more about the use of anti-viral medications for influenza, click the link below.

For more information about treating flu symptoms, click below.

Should I wear a face mask to protect others?
If you are sick, follow your healthcare provider's advice. Patients who come to UHS with a fever and a cough will be asked to wear a face mask for the protection of others. The CDC has an excellent web page that discusses the merits of using face masks to avoid spreading the flu to others for H1N1.

How long is someone with the flu contagious?
The CDC recommends that people with the flu stay at home until at least 24 hours after they are free of fever without the use of fever-reducing medications.

People infected with seasonal flu and the H1N1 flu may be able to infect others from the day before they start showing symptoms until up to seven days after. This can be longer in some people, especially children and people with weakened immune systems and in people infected with the H1N1 virus. Many people with the flu will continue to be contagious (shedding influenza virus) 24 hours after their fever goes away, but at lower levels than during their fever. Shedding of influenza virus can be detected for 10 days or more in some cases. That's why washing/sanitizing hands and covering coughs and sneezes are so important, even when you feel well.

When is UHS open?

• UHS clinics are open by appointment Monday through Friday 8:00am - 5:30pm and 11:00am - 3:00pm on Saturdays and Sundays.
• To schedule an appointment, call (512) 471-4955. UHS Hours
• Students with a concern about any illness or injury can call the UHS 24-Hour Nurse Advice Line at (512) 475-6877.* It is staffed around the clock every day of the year.

*Please note that we are currently experiencing a very large volume of calls related to influenza and the wait may be long.

What should I do when UHS is closed?

• If your symptoms require immediate medical attention, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room or urgent care clinic. What warning signs require emergency medical care?

Austin Emergency Rooms and Urgent Care Clinics
• Students who are sick and aren't sure what to do can call the UHS 24-Hour Nurse Advice Line at (512) 475-6877.

My roommate has the flu. What should I do?
For information about treating flu symptoms,

When caring for someone in your household who is sick with the flu, protect yourself and others:

• Keep the sick person away from other people as much as possible.
• Remind the sick person to cover their coughs, and clean their hands with soap and water or an alcohol-based hand rub often, especially after coughing and/or sneezing.
• Remind everyone in the house or suite to clean their hands often with soap and water or an alcohol-based hand rub. Print and post a Healthyhorns Stop Germs flyer (PDF)
• If you have a medical condition such as a chronic illness or compromised immune system that places them at high risk for serious flu-related complications ask your healthcare provider if you should take antiviral medications to prevent the flu.
• Almost everyone with the flu recovers in a few days without needing medical treatment. However, serious complications like pneumonia can occur, and may be more likely in people with underlying medical conditions.

You can find more information about caring for someone with the flu (such as visitors, laundry, and cleaning) at the CDC website.

If I miss class to stay home and take care of myself, how do I prove to my professor that I really am sick?
Faculty should not require verification from students who were absent because of influenza-like illness. Parents and students may refer to information provided to the faculty in a memo from the provost.

About H1N1 and Seasonal Flu

What is the H1N1 flu (swine flu) and how is it transmitted?
H1N1 is a new type of influenza A virus that is transmitted from person to person in the same way as seasonal flu. Just like seasonal flu, HIN1 flu can be mild to severe. Seasonal influenza causes 200,000 hospitalizations and around 36,000 deaths in the U.S. each year.

The symptoms of H1N1 and seasonal flu are similar.

What are the signs and symptoms of the flu? Viruses that cause the flu and other illnesses like the common cold are spread from person to person mainly when a person with a cold or the flu coughs or sneezes. You can be infected by inhaling the viruses in droplets from the sneeze or cough or by touching a surface or an object with viruses on it (like a desk, doorknob, or computer mouse) and then touching your mouth or nose.

To learn how to reduce your chances of getting or spreading the flu, click the link below.

Preventing the Flu

How Is H1N1 Flu treated?
The treatment for H1N1 is the same as for regular seasonal flu. If symptoms began less than 48 hours ago and it is otherwise appropriate, a healthcare provider may prescribe an antiviral medication that can reduce the severity and duration of the flu. Antivirals may not be prescribed for everyone. Patients will also be advised how to treat symptoms at home using over-the-counter medications and when to seek additional medical care.

Antibiotics are not effective against flu of any kind. However, a healthcare provider may prescribe them if the patient develops a secondary bacterial infection.

For information about treating flu symptoms click below.

I have flu symptoms. What should I do?

Should I be worried about H1N1 influenza?
The concern about H1N1 is that it is a "new" virus, so most people have not developed any degree of immunity to it. As a result, the H1N1 virus has the potential to infect large numbers of people.

Like seasonal flu, H1N1 influenza has ranged from mild to severe. While the vast majority of people have experienced mild to moderate flu symptoms and recovered without needing medical treatment, hospitalizations and deaths from H1N1 infection have occurred.

About 70 percent of people who have been hospitalized with H1N1 also had medical conditions that cause an increased risk of serious seasonal flu-related complications such as pregnancy, diabetes, heart disease, kidney disease, and asthma.

Who is at risk for complications from the flu?

If you have severe symptoms or an underlying health condition that places you at increased risk for flu complications, contact your health care provider or otherwise seek medical care.

I have flu symptoms. What should I do?

To learn how to reduce your chances of getting or spreading the flu, click the link below.

Preventing the Flu

What is the difference between seasonal flu and H1N1?
To date, the symptoms of H1N1 and seasonal flu are similar.

What are the signs and symptoms of the flu?
However, H1N1 seems to be affecting different groups than the seasonal flu typically does.

Seasonal flu viruses have been circulating in human populations for a long time, which has allowed people to build up immunities to them. Most people do not yet have immunity to the new strain of H1N1 flu.

With seasonal flu, we know that seasons vary in terms of timing, duration and severity. Seasonal influenza can cause mild to severe illness, and at times can lead to death. Each year, in the United States, on average 36,000 people die from flu-related complications and more than 200,000 people are hospitalized from flu-related causes. Of those hospitalized, 20,000 are children younger than 5 years old. Over 90% of deaths and about 60 percent of hospitalization occur in people older than 65.

When the H1N1 outbreak first occurred in mid-April 2009, the CDC began working with states to collect, compile, and analyze information, including the numbers of confirmed and probable cases and the ages of these people. The resulting data analysis supports the conclusion that the H1N1 flu has caused a greater disease burden in people younger than 25 years of age than it has in older people.

One thing that appears to be different from seasonal influenza is that adults older than 64 years do not yet appear to be at increased risk of 2009 H1N1-related complications thus far. Few cases of H1N1 have been reported in people older than 64 years old. This population has also experienced few deaths attributable to H1N1, which is unusual when compared with seasonal flu.

However, pregnancy and other previously recognized high risk medical conditions appear to be associated with an increased risk of complications from H1N1. See below.

Who is at risk for complications from the flu?
The following groups of people are at greater risk of complications from H1N1 and seasonal flu and should seek medical care if they develop flu symptoms. UT students in any of these higher-risk groups who develop flu symptoms can call the UHS 24-Hour Nurse Advice Line at (512) 475-6877.

• Children younger than 5 years old (Children under 2 are especially vulnerable.)
• Pregnant women
• People with the following conditions:
  Chronic lung (including asthma), cardiovascular (except hypertension), kidney, liver, blood (including sickle cell disease), neurologic, neuromuscular, or metabolic disorders (including diabetes)
• People who have immunodeficiency or immuno-suppression, including that caused by medications (such as corticosteroids and chemotherapy) or diseases such as HIV/AIDS
• Adults 65 and older (at risk mainly for complications from seasonal influenza rather than H1N1)
• Children ages 6 months to 18 years who are receiving long-term aspirin therapy and who might be at risk for experiencing Reye's syndrome after influenza virus infection
• Persons 50 years old or older, particularly 65 years or older
• People who live in densely populated settings such residence halls, co-ops, and hospitals.

Where can I learn more about seasonal and H1N1 influenza?

• CDC Information on H1N1 Flu
• CDC Information on Seasonal Flu
• Flu.gov
• Texasflu.org
• World Health Organization Information on H1N1

Campus Flu Initiatives

How many students at UT are infected with H1N1?
There is really no way to know how many UT students have been infected with H1N1.

Not all students who get sick require medical treatment; so many ill students do not seek medical care. Of those who do, some schedule appointments at UHS while others seek care at other facilities. There is no way to know how many students access medical care off campus.

Since we are not testing all students with flu symptoms for H1N1, there is no way to know for sure how many have it. UHS is tracking the numbers of students who come to our clinics with flu symptoms, but that data does not reflect the total number of students with flu symptoms who do not visit UHS.

Tracking Inluenza Cases at UHS

What is UHS doing to help stop flu on campus?
How is UHS responding to flu on campus?

• Educating students about the symptoms of influenza and when to call a healthcare provider
• Encouraging social distancing for people who are sick, including staying home until fever-free for 24 hours without the use of fever-reducing medications.
• Distributing free hand sanitizer on campus.
• Distributing free digital thermometers to residence halls so that sick students can monitor their temperatures.
• Encouraging frequent hand washing, use of hand sanitizers, covering cough and sneezes with free posters, mirror clings posted in every public restroom on campus, web content, and screen savers in many campus computer labs.
• Encouraging sick students to call the 24-Hour Nurse Advice Line at (512) 475-6877 instead of coming to the clinic for assistance, to avoid exposing them to other infections and to minimize the spread of the flu.
• Asking that professors not require students who miss class to have a doctor's note. During this time of pandemic flu students and staff need to be trusted when they report fever and flu symptoms.
• Treating students with flu symptoms according to CDC guidelines by providing prescription antiviral medications only to severely ill patients and high-risk groups and providing self-care advice to otherwise healthy students with mild to moderate influenza.
• Keeping healthyhorns.utexas.edu current with statistics, advice, and up-to-date information.
• Providing low-cost seasonal flu shots to UT students, faculty, and staff. Flu Shots on Campus
• Administering the H1N1 vaccine when it becomes available.