If you have symptoms consistent with H1N1 influenza (e.g., fever, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, body aches, headache, chills, fatigue, nausea, or diarrhea), please go the "I Think I May Have H1N1 Influenza" Self-Screening Form.
Any student exposed to an individual with possible or proven H1N1 influenza should enact self-care procedures described at http://www.nuhs.northwestern.edu/evanston/h1n1flu.aspx
Please remember that whatever your condition or concern, you may always ask to speak, or schedule an appointment, with a Health Service clinician. For non-emergency H1N1 questions, please call the H1N1 Hotline at 847-467-4161; for general medical or other questions, please call 847-491-8100. As is always the case, however, appointments may be prioritized on the basis of urgency and severity of symptoms.
Questions
1. Have you recently been exposed to an individual who has, or is suspected of having, H1N1 Influenza?
If yes, proceed to Question 2; if no, proceed to Outcome 3.
2. Have you spent a significant amount of time within 6 feet of that individual or do you share the same bedroom or dorm room with that individual?
If yes, proceed to Outcome 4, if no, proceed to Outcome 3.
Outcomes
3. According to public health guidelines, YOU HAVE NOT HAD A SIGNIFICANT EXPOSURE TO H1N1 INFLUENZA, AND THE CDC DOES NOT RECOMMEND PREVENTIVE OR PROPHYLACTIC TREATMENT IN YOUR CIRCUMSTANCES. However, you should watch for the development of influenza symptoms (fever, cough, sore throat, runny nose, headache, nausea, diarrhea, lethargy) over the next 1-7 days. For more information, go to the Health Service H1N1 information page: http://www.nuhs.northwestern.edu/evanston/h1n1flu.aspx Stop Here.
4. YOU HAVE HAD A SIGNIFICANT EXPOSURE TO H1N1 INFLUENZA. Proceed to Question 5.
Questions
5. Do you have any of the following conditions? If yes, proceed to Outcome 6; if no, proceed to Outcome 7.
a. Age groups
i. Children younger than 5 years old
ii. Adults 65 years of age and older
b. Persons with the following conditions:
i. Chronic illness of the lungs (e.g. asthma or cystic fibrosis), heart, kidneys, liver, blood (including sickle cell disease), endocrine/glandular system (e.g., diabetes or thyroid disease), nervous system, or neuromuscular system
ii. Suppressed immune system (e.g., from medications or HIV disease)
iii. Pregnancy
iv. Residents of nursing homes and other chronic-care facilities
v. Children or adolescents (less than 18 years) on long-term aspirin therapy
Outcomes
6. YOU HAVE HAD A SIGNIFICANT EXPOSURE TO H1N1 INFLUENZA, AND YOU HAVE ONE OR MORE CONDITIONS THAT MAY INCREASE YOUR RISK OF SERIOUS COMPLICATIONS FROM H1N1 INFECTION. You should immediately either call your personal physician or call the Health Service (847-491-8100 Press 0) to schedule an urgent appointment to determine whether you should begin treatment with an antiviral medication (e.g., Tamiflu). Antiviral medication is most effective if it is initiated within 48 hours from the onset of symptoms. Stop Here.
7. YOU HAVE HAD A SIGNIFICANT EXPOSURE TO H1N1 INFLUENZA, BUT YOU DO NOT HAVE A CONDITION THAT MAY INCREASE YOUR RISK OF SERIOUS COMPLICATIONS FROM H1N1 INFECTION. In these circumstances, the CDC does not recommend preventive or prophylactic treatment with an antiviral medication at this time. However, you should carefully monitor yourself for symptoms of H1N1 influenza (e.g., fever, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, body aches, headache, chills, and fatigue) which may occur within the next 7 days. Should such symptoms occur, please go to the "I Think I May Have H1N1 Influenza" Self-Screening Form on the NUHS website. Stop Here.
