College dorms can be noisy, fun and chaotic. They can also be breeding grounds for illness, largely due to hundreds or thousands of students living in close proximity to one another. The H1N1 virus has already proven itself to be a virus that loves crowds, as schools, summer camps and even army barracks have proven. Follow some simple measures to protect yourself from becoming infected by this virus, as well as others, such as seasonal influenza and the common cold.

Know the symptoms- Forewarned is forearmed, and knowing the symptoms of the illness is important. Symptoms may include:
Fever
Cough
Fatigue
Body aches
Sore throat
Headache
Vomiting and diarrhea (sometimes)
 
To lessen the chances of becoming infected:
Do not share utensils, straws, drinks, or cigarettes with others
Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth
Cover your nose and mouth with your sleeve or a tissue when coughing or sneezing
Do NOT reuse tissues
Wash your hands frequently. Alcohol-based sanitizers can also be used.
Get plenty of rest and try to eat a health diet. Late nights and a poor diet make college students more prone to illness.
If you become ill, stay in your room. Do not attend classes, but do make sure someone knows you are ill. If you have any underlying health issues, such as asthma, heart or immune system disorders see a campus doctor. Take fever-reducing medications such as Tylenol or Motrin. Do not exceed recommended doses. Be prepared to stay away from classes for a week. Your fever should be absent for at least 24 to 48 hours before you return to classes. It may be a good idea to stock up on supplies in case you do become ill, such as Tylenol, tissues, and plenty of fluids to keep yourself hydrated.
 
It is important that all students stay informed as to public health recommendations regarding the pandemic and be alert to the possibility of temporary school closures.
 
Related Links:
H1N1 Vaccine: Who Gets It First from Health Guru
2009 H1N1 Flu (Swine Flu) and You from the CDC
How Can Swine Flu Be Prevented from Medicine Net