H1N1 Update

Campus Email: 10/26/09
Coping with Emotions Regarding the Spread of H1N1
The emotional impact of a public health emergency, such as pandemic flu, can have a powerful effect on the mental health of individuals of all ages. People naturally become alarmed and upset when they believe that their health may be threatened. However, during these times of heightened concerns regarding public health risks, it is critically important to take care of yourself and monitor your own emotional reactions. Tending to your own mental health and emotional needs will make you a better, more reliable resource for friends, colleagues, and loved ones in helping them to better handle their concerns.

When We Don’t Know For Sure
Anxiety is related to fear of the unknown. It is normal to feel anxious and worried about a spreading disease, especially if there is no known cause or cure. Coping with your feelings during times of uncertainty can be challenging, but it is important to remember that you are not alone. All people will react in their own way to a flu outbreak.

Normal reactions include:

Physical

• Headaches, tiredness

• Fast pulse, high blood pressure

• Changes in appetite

• Unexplained aches or pains

• Trouble sleeping or sleeping too much

Emotional

• Panic, anxiety

• Distrust, fear

• Anger, irritability

• Sadness, depression

• Blame

• Feeling overwhelmed

• Increased stress

Mental

• Trouble concentrating

• Problems with work or school

• Memory problems

• Troubling thoughts that won’t go away

• Concern about health issues

Behavioral

• Avoiding others

• Increased substance abuse

• Excessive cleaning or washing

• Being overly cautious, jumpiness

Here are some ways to cope with stress and anxiety:

• Limit your exposure to graphic news stories

• Get accurate, timely information from reliable sources such as the Center for Disease Control and the Department of Health

• Educate yourself about the specific health hazards associated with the flu

• Maintain your normal daily routine to the extent possible

• Exercise, eat well, and rest

• Stay active—physically and mentally

• Stay in touch with family and friends

• Find comfort in your spiritual and personal beliefs

• Keep a sense of humor

• Find healthy ways to express your feelings

Stay Connected
The fear associated with a flu emergency can push people apart. People who are normally close to friends and family may avoid contact because they are afraid they might get sick. The college has information on how to protect yourself and your loved ones. Stay connected by phone and through e-mail. If you are anxious about a health risk, talk to someone who can help. This may be a counselor at the Wellness Center, a doctor in the GMC area or in your home community, a family member, friend, clergy member, or faculty member or administrator.

If you notice a big change in a loved one, friend, or co-worker, reach out to him/her. Make some time to talk. Watching out for others shows that you care and can be comforting to both of you. If you or someone you know is having a hard time managing their emotions, seek help from a medical or mental health professional. Come talk to Wellness Center staff.

Get Reliable Information
When we face uncertainty about health risks, it is important to keep things in perspective. Pandemic planning and preparedness efforts are actively underway at GMC, in Vermont and across New England and the nation. Individuals and organizations are being encouraged to take the threat of flu seriously and to follow expert advice should a serious situation arise.

Currently, symptoms of H1N1 appear to be mild, but this varies from person to person. Take steps to avoid becoming ill by washing hands frequently, covering your nose and mouth when coughing or sneezing, avoiding contact with others who are sick and if you feel sick yourself, and isolating yourself if you have a fever and not returning to class/work/social activities until 24 hours after the fever is gone.

Other tips include salt water gargling, boosting your natural immunity with foods that are rich in vitamin C, and drinking warm liquids (tea, coffee, etc.). Drinking warm liquids can have the same effect as gargling, but in the reverse direction. It washes off proliferating viruses from the throat into the stomach where they cannot survive, proliferate or do any harm.