Novel H1N1 (Swine) Flu Information
October 26, 2009
Dear SMC Community,
We write to update you on the College’s interventions regarding the H1N1 flu virus (also known as swine flu). SMC has an Incident Management Team (IMT) in place to address wide-ranging campus issues and health concerns. We have extended these preparedness efforts in order to respond to the H1N1 flu pandemic. The IMT receives information from the Contra Costa County Public Health Department and Center for Disease Control (CDC) and includes, but is not limited to, the members from the Health and Wellness Center, Student Life, Academic Affairs, Public Affairs, and the Department of Public Safety.
HISTORY
The official name of this novel disease is H1N1 influenza, formerly known as swine influenza. This flu outbreak originated in Mexico in early 2009 and quickly spread throughout the world. As of June 11, 2009 the World Health Organization (WHO) has placed this flu outbreak at pandemic level 6. This high alert level reflects the extent of its spread throughout the world, and not the severity of this disease.
Cases of H1N1 flu have already appeared on most college campuses. Last spring semester at Saint Mary’s College, four cases of students with the H1N1 flu were confirmed by the Contra Costa County Health Department. Due to the wide spread nature of this illness, the CDC does not recommend testing of patients with mild symptoms. Only patients who are hospitalized and have worsening symptoms are tested to confirm the H1N1 flu. Patients who have signs and symptoms of this disease but are not confirmed via laboratory testing are labeled to have Influenza Like Illness (ILI).
SIGNS and SYMPTOMS
The symptoms of novel H1N1 flu virus in people include fever, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, body aches, headache, chills and fatigue. A significant number of people who have been infected with this virus also have reported diarrhea and vomiting. Severe illnesses and death have occurred as a result of illness associated with this virus.
The vast majority of cases are mild and, at this point, the H1N1 virus appears no more virulent or severe than most seasonal flus. This strain does seem to be more frequent in children and young adults because those who are younger than 50 years of age have not yet had contact with a similar type of this virus.
WHAT TO DO IF YOU GET FLU-LIKE SYMPTOMS
The CDC recommends that people “self isolate” and stay at home until 24 hours after body temperature is back to normal or less than 100 degrees without using medication that would lower the temperature. We encourage students to come to the Health and Wellness Center if they develop any of the above symptoms for evaluation and facilitate necessary accommodations on campus. A mild, lingering cough may occur. Barring any other flu symptoms, this cough should not prevent student from returning to class.
If symptoms are worsening, seek medical attention immediately. If a patient is pregnant or if has a chronic medical condition such as diabetes, cancer, asthma, heart or lung problems, or a weakened immune system, they should consult their physician or campus Health and Wellness Center. The SMC Health and Wellness Center is open 8:30am-4:30pm Monday-Thursday and 9:30am-4:30pm on Friday.
Graduate students, faculty, and staff are urged to seek medical attention and counseling from their own primary care physician.
MEDICATIONS AND VACCINATIONS
The treatment for this illness is primarily supportive, including rest, home remedies and over the counter medication to relieve symptoms. Tamiflu, an anti viral medication, is prescribed for individuals with flu who are either hospitalized, have a chronic medical condition or have a suppressed immune system. Tamiflu for influenza is not a cure—and only reduces symptoms and decreases length of recovery time by about 24 hours.
The following vaccinations are expected to be available fall 2009:
- Seasonal Flu Vaccine: The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommend that all students get vaccinated for the seasonal flu. We expect to have this vaccine available in October.
- Novel H1N1 Vaccine: Recent recommendations from the CDC have placed individuals under age 24 in the top priority group for receiving the H1N1 vaccine. More information will be available in the coming weeks regarding how and when this vaccine will be given.
AN OUNCE OF PREVENTION
We strongly encourage all members of the SMC community to take the standard precautions adopted during the flu season—and to play an active role in our public health prevention efforts.
Some of things you can do to protect yourself and decrease the spread of disease include:
- Wash your hands frequently with soap and water or alcohol based hand gels, located at most common areas on campus
- Cover your mouth and nose when sneezing or coughing.
- Adequate rest
- Good nutrition
- Moderate exercise
- When possible and safe, increase ventilation in your place of residence.
- Avoid large crowds in small spaces when possible.
- Self isolate if you develop flu like illness.
- Do not share food, drinks or utensils
Student and parents who have questions may contact the Health and Wellness Center at 925-631-4254. We will continue to communicate information to the community in the coming months.
Thank you for your efforts to keep all members of the Gael Family in good health. Although we can’t eliminate the spread of this virus, our collective efforts can significantly minimize its reach and overall impact.
- Health and Wellness Center
