Q. Why isn't Wake Forest sending sick students home?
A. Students with flu who can arrange safe, private transportation home may feel more comfortable returning home to recover. Because the virus is already in the Wake Forest community, public health officials state that enforced isolation will not eliminate or reduce the spread of the virus.

Q. Why are students with the virus not hospitalized?
A. Generally, those who develop H1N1 flu experience an illness similar to a seasonal flu. Most cases are relatively mild. The vast majority of people with this type of flu recover uneventfully, generally in about five days.

Q. What precautions are in place to assist students living in a residence hall with a student diagnosed with flu-like symptoms?
A. The Student Health Service and Residence Hall offices are distributing surgical masks and bottles of hand sanitizer to sick students and those who may be in close contact with them.

Q. Why can't students move to another room if their roommate is sick?
A. We have extremely limited living spaces on campus. Also, the CDC reports that the rate of secondary infections in households is 15 to 20 percent. Students living in residence halls are encouraged to practice good hygiene in order to limit their exposure, including regularly washing hands with soap and water or hand sanitizer. They should avoid close contact with their roommates.

Q. Should students attend class if they have the flu?
A. Students with flu-like symptoms should not go to class. They should e-mail their professors to inform them of their illness.

Q. What if faculty and staff experience flu-like symptoms?
A. Faculty and staff should not come to work if they experience flu-like symptoms. Additional questions should be directed to a supervisor or department chair.

Q. How can sick students living in residence halls get food?
A. Residence Life and Housing, along with Wake Forest dining services, have announced a "meal coupon" plan available to students, which will allow friends, roommates or classmates to pick up meals from the cafeteria (Fresh Food Company).

Q. When will flu vaccines be available on campus?
A. Seasonal flu vaccine will be available for all students September 23 - 24. Faculty and staff will be offered a seasonal flu vaccine September 29, 30 and October 1. It is anticipated that H1N1 flu vaccine will be available in mid to late October. Details will be announced at a later time.

Q. How is H1N1 influenza treated?
A. In the majority of people, H1N1 flu, like most viral illnesses, is self limited, meaning that a person's immune system will adequately combat the infection. Healthy patients with uncomplicated illness need not be treated with antivirals, and such treatment is not recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) or the World Health Organization (WHO). Treatment with antiviral medications (Tamiflu or Relenza) is recommended for patients who are hospitalized or at higher risk for influenza complications. Symptomatic medications are helpful in controlling influenza symptoms such as acetaminophen (Tylenol), ibuprofen (Advil or Motrin), or naproxen (Aleve) for fever, guaifenesin (Robitussin) for cough, and decongestants (Sudafed) for nasal congestion. Rest and good hydration also help with recovery.

Q. What about Wake Forest students studying abroad?
A. Students on a Wake Forest-administered program will be assisted by the program director, resident professor and/or on-site staff. Students attending an Affiliate (non-WFU) program will be assisted by the Affiliate program's staff.