H1N1 Influenza (Flu) Pandemic

Information For Everyone

Information for Olds College Students

Online Flu Resources

Flu Transmission

The virus is contagious and appears to be spread person-to-person at close contact when germ-bearing droplets enter the eyes, nose and/or throat and are coughed or sneezed into the air.  The virus may also be found on hard surfaces such as photocopiers, fax machines and doorknobs.

Flu Prevention

  1. wash your handsCough and sneeze into your arm or sleeve or if you use a tissue, dispose of it immediately and wash your hands.
  2. Wash hands frequently with warm water and soap, or use alcohol-based hand sanitizer. Follow these Effective Handwashing Guidelines.
  3. Keep common surfaces clean.

What to Do When You Have the Flu

  1. Do not go to class.  Do what the doctor or Health Link Alberta told you.
  1. Register with the nurse or at the front desk by phoning 403-556-8239 for the Nurse and 403-556-8375 for the front desk.  Tell us your name, program, date illness started and a contact phone number if possible.  We will check in with you daily to make sure you are progressing as expected.
  1. If your fever lasts over 3 days, if you have difficulty breathing, or cough increases in severity or if you become too weak to go to cafeteria, please let us or the RA know.  You may need to go to the hospital at this point to be assessed.  You must go to the hospital when your symptoms worsen.  If you are not sure – ask for help.
  1. Medications:
    • Take Tylenol/acetaminophen for fever.  Follow directions on the container – do not take more than what is stated on the container.
    • Take ibuprofen for achy joints.
    • Use cough medicine recommended by the pharmacist usually DM-E on it.  If your cough medication has acetaminophen in it, do not take extra acetaminophen.
    • Use throat lozenges
    • Gargle with warm salt water if you have a sore throat.  Mix ½ tsp. salt with 1 cup of warm water.  For a stuffy nose use salt water nose drops or mist.
  1. Drink lots of fluids – water, diluted juice, tea, hot water and lemon, chicken soup, Gatorade (if you are not taking enough nourishment).
  1. Remember, when you cough or sneeze, cover your face with your arm or a tissue.  If you use a tissue, drop it immediately in the wastepaper basket.  Empty the wastepaper basket daily.
  1. Go to the cafeteria by yourself.  Ask for take-out containers and eat in your room.  Do not sit with others.  If you are too ill to go to the cafeteria, let us know.
  1. Avoid friends.  Do not have friends in your room.  Do not visit in anyone else’s room.
  1. Get lots of sleep and eat well

What about my Roommate?

  1. Tell your roommate you have the flu, are sick with a fever, etc.
  2. Stay in your room.  Do not have friends in your room.  Do not visit anyone else’s room
  3. Make sure your bed is as far as possible from your roommate’s (called social distancing)
  4. Ask for / remind the nurse you need a mask especially if you have a roommate in FGH.  When your roommate or another person is in the room, wear the mask, you are coughing or sneezing.  Always cover your face when coughing with your arm, tissue, or a blanket

What to Do When Your Roommate Has the Flu

You may have already been exposed to the virus, but you should:

  1. Monitor your health every day for a week (check your temperature, etc.)
  2. Move your bed as far as possible from your roommate’s
  3. Disinfect any common areas daily
  4. Stay out of the room as much as possible.  Do not have friends in your room
  5. Study elsewhere, such as the library
  6. Wash your hands or use hand sanitizer before and after eating, after recreational activities, after using the washroom, etc.  Cough and sneeze in your arm
  7. Wear a mask if you are concerned or are helping your roommate
  8. Get immunized.  Watch for more information
  9. If your roommates condition worsens, call Health Link Alberta, the Olds College Nurse and/or Campus Security
  10. Stock up on a week’s supply of medication, tissues and beverages, etc.
  11. Check the websites for current updates on the pandemic or other communicable diseases

For Advice:

  • Phone Health Link Alberta – 1-866-408-5465
  • Olds College Nurse  - 403-556-8239
  • Self Care:  Flu Self Care