Miami University

Flu care for those with chronic conditions

09/29/2009

As the Student Health Service continues to see students with H1N1 flu, and most of them have mild symptoms, it is important to remember that if you develop flu symptoms (cough, congestion, fever) and the following conditions occur, you need to seek medical care either with your personal physician or at the Student Health Center (529-3000):

• A history of asthma or other chronic respiratory disease
• A temperature of 102 Fahrenheit or 38.8 degrees Celsius
• Flu symptoms that seem to get better and then become suddenly worse
• Vomiting and/or diarrhea
• Decreased desire or ability to take fluids

You should go to the emergency room for the following:

• Increased breathlessness or difficulty breathing
• Mental confusion

If a roommate or friend exhibits any of these signs, please encourage them not to wait to seek help. If you become ill and have a history of asthma or any other chronic respiratory disease, you should seek medical care right away. Student health services also recommends that you contact your family and your medical specialist.