Kirkwood Community College

Home > Campus Health > H1N1 Influenza FAQ's

Frequently Asked Questions - H1N1

FAQ's - H1N1 Influenza

Kirkwood Community College has a response plan for dealing with the H1N1 (swine flu) virus and is in regular communication with Linn County Public Health and the Iowa Department of Public Health. The college will communicate new information about the virus, and about steps the college is taking, as they develop. See below for answers to frequently asked questions:

What is H1N1 Influenza (Flu)?

H1N1 Influenza (flu) is a respiratory disease, caused by influenza type A which infects pigs. There are many types, and the infection is constantly changing. Until now it has not normally infected humans, but the latest form clearly does, and can be spread from person to person, through coughing, sneezing and touch.

What are the symptoms of H1N1?

Symptoms of H1N1 flu are similar to those of the regular flu, but symptoms can be more severe than the regular flu. They include:

Fever (100 degrees or more)
Cough
Sore Throat

Additional symptoms may include:

Runny or stuffy nose
Muscle/Body Aches
Headache
Chills
Extreme Tiredness/Fatigue (to the point where you cannot get out of bed)
Nausea/Vomiting/Diarrhea

Can I get a flu shot on campus?

Seasonal flu shots will be available at these times:

October 27, 11:00 am - 3:00 pm, Main Campus, Iowa Hall Rooms A and B
October 29, 7:30 am - 11:30 am, Main Campus, Iowa Hall Rooms A and B
October 29, 1:00 pm - 3:00 pm, Iowa City Campus

This vaccine is for the seasonal flu; H1N1 vaccinations will not be available until a later date. Shots are free of cost for Kirkwood employees; online registration will begin on October 1st at Employee Wellness. Call Jill Williams at 398-5640 for registration questions. Students are welcome on a walk-in basis and will be charged $24.00 at time of service.

((If you are not able to be on campus on these days please check with your personal physician about a flu shot. In addition, a number of clinics are being held in the area including: A. Ave. Pharmacy, Hy-Vee Stores and Walgreens Drug Stores. Call your nearest location for information.)

Have there been any cases of H1N1 (swine flu) at KCC?

There have been no confirmed cases involving Kirkwood students or Kirkwood employees.

What steps can I take to reduce my risk of contracting the H1N1 virus?

To help reduce the spread of the virus:

Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and warm water or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer. (Handwashing Techniques)
Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth.
Cough or sneeze into you elbow or a tissue and properly dispose of the used tissue.
If you have the flu or a similar illness, stay home to avoid spreading the virus.

If I think I might have H1N1, what should I do?

If you have a fever of 100° or more (or fever like complaints such as a flushed appearance, sweating or chills), stay home until you are fever free for more than 24 hours without medication. Or if no fever is noted, stay home until you are symptom free for 24 hours.

You are most likely to be shedding/spreading germs during periods of fever. This is why you should stay home and limit your interaction with other people.

If you spike a fever, your symptoms continue for several days, or if you have other diagnosed health problems, (such as diabetes, asthma, or heart disease), and develop symptoms of the flu contact:
1. Your primary health care provider.
2. If you don’t have insurance
  - and you live in Linn County, contact the Community Health Free Clinic at: (319) 363-0416 or Linn Community Care at (319) 398-6170
  - and you live outside of Linn County, Contact the County Health Department office for the county you live in.

If you cannot make it to class, email your instructor so that your reason for absence can be noted. Let them know when you will be able to make it back to class and make arrangements to complete the assignments you are missing.

Wash your hands with soap and clean running water. Visit www.cdc.gov/h1n1 for more information.