If a healthy student has a roommate with the H1N1 virus and the sick roommate cannot return home, should the healthy roommate find another place to live on campus?
A. Such a move is not recommended by the CDC. Students who appear healthy can still have the virus before they exhibit symptoms. Moving to another residence has the potential of exposing others. It is important for all students to get plenty of rest, especially if their immune systems are under stress, so for this reason it is a good idea to sleep in your own bed. Chances of contracting the virus can be minimized if you follow the measures defined by the CDC. These include washing your hands often with soap and warm water for 15-20 seconds or using an alcohol-based hand rub when soap and water is not available, and avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth since this is how germs spread. Cleaning shared surfaces such as doorknobs and computer keyboards with an alcohol-based disinfectant is also a good idea. Do not share glassware, beverages, or cooking and eating utensils.
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