H1N1 Frequently Asked Questions

Where can I get the most current information about pandemic influenza?

At this time, the best source of current pandemic influenza information is the webpage of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/  and the CDC webpage for Guidance for Colleges, Universities, and Post-secondary Educational Institutions (click here).

You can also check our Babson Flu Advisory webpage www.babson.edu/fluadvisory for updates.  

In the event that a pandemic poses a threat to the Babson community, campus officials will issue regular updates through a variety of vehicles, including e-mail and the Flu Advisory webpage.

What is the flu?

The flu is a contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses that can cause mild to severe symptoms including fever, headache, extreme fatigue, dry cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, and muscle aches. Stomach symptoms, such as nausea, vomiting and diarrhea, also can occur. Complications of flu can include bacterial pneumonia, dehydration and worsening of chronic medical conditions such as congestive heart failure, asthma or diabetes.

What can I do to avoid getting the flu?

Flu viruses spread in respiratory droplets caused by coughing and sneezing. They usually spread from person to person, though sometimes people become infected by touching something with flu viruses on it and then touching their mouth or nose. Most healthy adults may be able to infect others beginning one day before symptoms develop and up to five days after becoming sick.

To avoid getting the flu, we recommend the following steps.

• Get a seasonal flu shot.
• Avoid being around people who are sick.
• Keep immune systems strong with regular exercise, vitamin-rich foods, sufficient sleep and plenty of fluids.
• Wash hands frequently and avoid touching your face.
• Avoid sharing eating utensils, water bottles, towels or bedding without first washing these items with soap and hot water.
• Clean surfaces soiled with body fluids with a disinfectant. (Use gloves while cleaning.)
• Cover your cough (cough into your sleeve at the elbow).
• Stay away from work or classes when sick with a fever or actively coughing.
• Stay informed about developments regarding the pandemic influenza by visiting the Babson Flu Advisory webpage and the webpages of the CDC's website provided above.

Who are considered high risk individuals?

• Individuals with asthma and any chronic respiratory disease
• Individuals with diabetes
• Individuals with chronic liver or kidney diseases
• Individuals without spleens
• Individuals who are immune-suppressed
• Individuals who are pregnant

What should I do if I’m high risk?

• Get a seasonal flu shot.
• Get a pneumococcal vaccine.
• Avoid being around people who are sick and large crowds.
• Keep immune systems strong with regular exercise, vitamin-rich foods, sufficient sleep and plenty of fluids.
• Wash hands frequently and avoid touching your face.
• Avoid sharing eating utensils, water bottles, towels or bedding without first washing these items with soap and hot water.
• Clean surfaces soiled with body fluids with a disinfectant. (Use gloves while cleaning.)
• Cover your cough (cough into your sleeve at the elbow).
• Stay away from work or classes when sick with a fever or actively coughing.
• Stay informed about developments regarding the pandemic influenza by visiting the Babson Flu Advisory webpage and the pages of the CDC's website provided above.

What if I’m not feeling well?

You should stay home from work/school if you have:

• fever of 100 °F or more, and
• cough or sore throat

According to new CDC guidelines, “Students, faculty or staff who live either on or off campus and who have influenza like illness should self-isolate (i.e., stay away from others) in their dorm room or home for at least 24 hours after their fever is gone except to get medical care or for other necessities (their fever should be gone without the use of a fever-reducing medicine).”

Faculty and staff should seek medical care from your own health care providers and contact your direct supervisor or division chair.  Students should contact Health Services (781-239-6363).

You should also log your information on the health log at (click here) so that Health Services can monitor rates of flu-like illness across campus.

When should I seek medical care?

Call your doctor or Health Services if you have:

• any questions or concerns about your symptoms
• if you’re in a high risk category (see above)
• trouble breathing
• pain or pressure in the chest or belly
• sudden dizziness
• severe or persistent vomiting
• fever that returns a few days after going away

In the event of an emergency or after hours, contact Public Safety at 781-239-5555.

What should I consider before traveling in regards to H1N1 flu?

The CDC recommends that travelers at high risk for complications from any form of flu (i.e. those with asthma, diabetes or other chronic conditions, those who are immuno-compromised and pregnant women) should discuss their travel plans with their doctor.  Individuals and their doctors should look carefully at the H1N1 flu situation in their travel destination and the available health-care options in the area.  They should discuss their specific health situations and possible increased risk of traveling in an area affected by H1N1 flu.

For more information, visit the CDC's webpage on travelers' health: http://wwwn.cdc.gov/travel/content/outbreak-notice/novel-h1n1-flu-global-situation.aspx

Additionally, International SOS, Babson College’s travel safety and security assistance company, has established a web page with information pertaining to H1N1 flu: http://www.internationalsos.com/pandemicpreparedness/

Should I get a seasonal flu shot?

Health officials are strongly urging individuals to vaccinate for the seasonal flu.  We encourage you to reach out directly to your own health care provider to seek guidance regarding individual preparations for the flu season and vaccinations, especially if you are in a high risk category. 

Is an H1N1 vaccine available?

An H1N1 vaccine is currently in production and may be ready for the public in the fall. The H1N1 vaccine is not intended to replace the seasonal flu vaccine – it is intended to be used along-side seasonal flu vaccine.  We will share with you more information when it is available regarding this vaccine. You may also monitor the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention webpage at http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/ for information about the availability of this vaccine. 

When will the H1N1 flu vaccine be available at Babson College?

Currently the Massachusetts Department of Public Health is advising Healthcare Providers to expect to start holding H1N1 vaccine clinics in early November.

Will I be eligible to receive the H1N1 flu vaccine?

People between 6 months and 24 years of age and pregnant women will be eligible to receive the vaccine. If supplies are small we may have to immunize high risk students first and then immunize healthy students. The vaccine will also be available to people between 25 and 65 years of age with medical conditions that put them at high risk of complications from the flu (see above/below for details).

Will I be required to receive the H1N1 flu vaccine?

NO. The H1N1 and the seasonal flu vaccines are strictly voluntary.

Where can I get more information about the H1N1 flu vaccine?

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website has a wealth of information about this vaccine. Please click here to review: http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/vaccination/