Several students on campus have been exhibiting symptoms of swine flu.

Campus officials have repeatedly warned students and staff about the issues surrounding H1N1. E-mails from Michael Sherer, interim Office of Information Technology director, and Barb Daus, special assistant to the chancellor, detailed preventative measures that students should take regarding the H1N1 virus.

According to the e-mails, people should drink plenty of fluids and get plenty of sleep if they fall ill. Most importantly, pay attention to the following warning signs: difficulty breathing, chest pain, dizziness, seizures, discoloration of the lips and uncontrollable vomiting. If you have these symptoms, you should seek medical attention. Students should also contact their instructors by e-mail immediately if they fall ill.

After the fever has passed a 24-hour quarantine is highly recommended.

“The campus is keeping a watch to see if many people are not in class or if [residence assistants] are reporting large numbers of sick residents,” Daus said. “Also, try to avoid face-to-face methods to communicate that you are sick.”

According to the UW-Platteville Student Health Services Web site, the virus originates in pigs, but H1N1 can mutate, causing it to be passed to humans.

Most symptoms are similar to the seasonal flu: fever, sore throat, headaches, chills, muscle aches or vomiting. The Web site also lists ways of protecting yourself against the virus.

•Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. After using, throw away the tissue immediately.

•Wash your hands often, especially after you cough or sneeze.

•Try to keep your hands away from your eyes, mouth or nose to keep away germs.

•Keep away from other sick people.

•If you feel sick, stay at home.

A seasonal flu vaccination will be available at  the end of September at UW-P Health Services. The cost is $12 and students should make an appointment. According to the Center for Disease Control, the seasonal flu vaccine is not expected to protect against the H1N1 flu.