Salve Regina University

Home | Salve A-Z | Library | Give to Salve | Pell Center | Virtual Tour

Login to MySalve

Symptoms of H1N1 (Swine Flu)

In this video, Dr. Joe Bresee, with CDC's Influenza Division, describes the symptoms of swine flu and warning signs to look for that indicate the need for urgent medical attention.

H1N1 (Swine) Virus and Seasonal Flu Information

Symptoms

  • Fever greater than 100 degrees
  • Cough
  • Sore throat
  • Runny or stuffy nose
  • Body aches
  • Headache
  • Chills
  • Fatigue

Prevention

  • Wash your hands often using warm water and soap. If soap and water are not available, use alcohol-based hand gel.
  • Sneeze and cough into your elbow to prevent others from getting sick.
  • If you have flu-like symptoms stay home from work or school.
  • Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth.
  • Get plenty of sleep, be physically active, manage your stress, drink plenty of fluids and eat nutritious food.

H1N1 Health Advisory for Students

In order to safeguard the health of the university community, students who contract an influenza-like illness (and are thus unable to attend classes) will be expected to return home to fully recover. Students may return to campus when completely fever-free for at least 24 hours without fever reducing medication. International students and hardship situations will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis.

Please contact Health Services at (401) 341-2904 or your personal physician if you experience any of the following: A fever of 103 F (39.4 C), trouble breathing, chest pain, sudden dizziness, severe or persistent vomiting or diarrhea, or any other health concerns.

If you contract an influenza-like illness, whether you are at home or on campus, the following information should help to contain the spread of the flu while you are recovering.

  • Resident students should notify their RA for assistance in the residence hall.
  • Find a friend/roommate to be your "flu buddy" who will be able to assist you with meals/food and other errands.
  • Inform your roommate(s) if they have any chronic health conditions such as chronic respiratory issues, diabetes or immunosuppression to make an appointment with one of the providers at Health Services to discuss the best way to prevent them from getting the flu.
  • E-mail Student Affairs at flustudent@salve.edu. Notification of your illness will be sent to the Office of Academic Advising, which will inform your professors, as well as Health Services, Residential Life and Dining Services (if appropriate).

As with any viral illness, it is important that you have extra rest, good nutrition and lots of fluids (water, juices, PowerAde, Gatorade are best). If you have fever, chill, headache and muscle aches, you may take two regular Tylenol every 4-6 hours as needed, alternating with two regular Ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil) if you are not allergic to either medication.

Think You Have the H1N1 Virus or the Seasonal Flu?

Generally, healthy adults with flu-like illness do not need to seen by a medical provider. Instead, students, faculty and staff should call Health Services at (401) 341-2904 and speak with a nurse, who will assist with home care and isolation instructions and answer questions. For most healthy adults, medication is not generally prescribed.

Those with chronic medical problems who are experiencing flu-like illness should be seen by a medical provider. For an appointment, call Health Services at (401) 341-2904.

Additional Resources