Public Health Update


Self Care

What can I do to protect myself from getting sick?

There is no vaccine available right now to protect against H1N1 (swine) flu. There are everyday actions that can help prevent the spread of germs that cause respiratory illnesses like influenza. Take these everyday steps to protect your health:

  • Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it.
  • Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze. Alcohol-based hand cleaners are also effective.
  • Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs spread this way.
  • Try to avoid close contact with sick people. The virus spreads by direct contact with nasal mucus from an infected person or by inhaling droplets coughed or sneezed into the air.
  • Stay at home if you are sick. If you get sick with influenza, CDC recommends that you stay home from work or school and limit contact with others to keep from infecting them.


What are the signs and symptoms of H1N1 (swine) flu in people?

The symptoms of H1N1 (swine) flu in people are similar to the symptoms of regular human flu and include:

  • Fever of 101 to 103 degrees
  • Cough
  • Sore throat
  • Body aches
  • Headache
  • Chills
  • Fatigue

Some people have reported:

  • Sensitive Eyes
  • Diarrhea
  • Nausea with or without vomiting
  • Chest pain

Like seasonal flu, H1N1 (swine) flu may cause a worsening of underlying chronic medical conditions.

What to do if you think you become sick

Keep your distance from others. Stay out of classes, work, social events, etc. until you have been fever-free for 24 hours (without the use of fever reducing medications)

Stay hydrated. Fever can be dehydrating, be sure to drink plenty of fluids to help rehydrate your system, but also to help flush it out as well.

If you become ill and have a high fever, call your physician.  Early treatment (within 48 hours) with an antiviral medication will lessen the symptoms and shorten the course of the illness. A Rapid Influenza Diagnostic Test can be used to initially diagnose you with the Influenza A virus. A culture can be sent off for further testing.

If you are living in a residence hall, inform your Residence Advisor (R.A.)

Should you need to contact a doctor or medical facility, here is a list of
              a few in the Boiling Springs area:


Boiling Springs Medical Associates - 305 College Avenue
Boiling Springs, NC - (704) 434-2281‎

Shelby Family Practice - 708 McBrayer Homestead Rd.
Boiling Springs, NC - (980) 487-2090

Cleveland Regional Medical Center - 201 E. Grover Street
Shelby, NC  - 980-487 -3000.

Nextcare Urgent Care - 419 Earl Road
Shelby, NC  -  704-481-0555