11. Tell your teachers. If you come down with flu, you might not be under the gun to get your class work done as if you were healthy. The CDC is encouraging colleges and universities to make sure there aren't "academic consequences" for staying home when sick.

12. Know when it's an emergency. Hopefully, if you get swine flu, it won't knock you out for very long. But if any of the following things happen, seek urgent medical attention:

• Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
• Pain or pressure in the chest or abdomen
• Sudden dizziness
• Confusion
• Severe or persistent vomiting
• Flu-like symptoms that improve, but then come back with worsening fever or cough

SOURCES:

CDC: "Action Steps for Students, Faculty, and Staff to Prevent the Spread of Flu."

CDC: "Technical Report on CDC Guidance for Responses to Influenza for Institutions of Higher Education during the 2009-2010 Academic Year."

CDC: "Questions and Answers About the CDC's Guidance for Responses for Institutions of Higher Education during the 2009-2010 Academic Year."

WebMD Feature: " Swine Flu FAQ."

WebMD Feature: " Swine Flu (H1N1) and Face Masks."

Reviewed on September 9, 2009

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