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RISK MANAGEMENT

Risk Tip:

Novel Influenza A H1N1 Virus (Swine Flu)

Since April 2009, cases of the novel swine flu have been reported in all fifty states, as well as internationally. We advise everyone on campus to be aware and careful. University authorities are maintaining close contact with Utah State and Utah County Health Departments. Together, we are carefully monitoring local and international developments. The University will follow directions from local and federal health authorities if additional precautions are merited.

CURRENT RECOMMENDATIONS:

  • CDC is not currently recommending that institutions cancel or dismiss classes or other large gatherings.
  • If confirmed cases of novel influenza A (H1N1) virus infection or a large number of cases of influenza like illness (ILI) (i.e. fever with either cough or sore throat) occur among students, faculty, or staff or in the community, institutions officials should consult with state and local health officials regarding an appropriate response.
  • Students, faculty or staff who live either on or off campus and who have ILI should self-isolate (i.e., stay away from others) in their dorm room or home for at least 24 hours after their fever is gone except to get medical care or for other necessities (their fever should be gone without the use of a fever-reducing medicine). They should keep away from others as much as possible. This is to keep from making others sick.
  • If possible, persons with ILI who wish to seek medical care should contact their health care provider or campus health services to report illness by telephone or other remote means before seeking care. Institutions should assure that all students, faculty and staff receive messages about what they should do if they become ill with ILI, including reporting ILI to health services.
  • If persons with ILI must leave their home or dorm room (for example, to seek medical care or other necessities) they should cover their nose and mouth when coughing or sneezing. A surgical loose-fitting mask can be helpful for persons who have access to these, but a tissue or other covering is appropriate as well. (See Interim Guidance for H1N1 Flu (Swine Flu): Taking Care of a Sick Person in Your Home).
  • Roommates, household members, or those caring for an ill person should follow guidance developed for caring for sick persons at home. (See Interim Guidance for H1N1 Flu (Swine Flu): Taking Care of a Sick Person in Your Home).
  • Persons who are at high risk of complications from novel influenza A (H1N1) infection (for example, persons with certain chronic medical conditions, children less than 5 years, persons 65 years or older, and pregnant women) should consider their risk of exposure to novel influenza if they attend public gatherings in communities where novel influenza A virus is circulating. In communities with several reported cases of novel influenza A (H1N1) virus infection, persons who are at risk of complications from influenza should consider staying away from public gatherings.

LARGE GATHERINGS:


On the basis of what is currently known about the ongoing spread of novel influenza A (H1N1) and, as a means to prevent the further spread of disease on and off campus, persons with ILI are encouraged to stay home and away from large gatherings. Persons who are sick should limit their contact with other people as much as possible and stay home for at least 24 hours after their fever is gone except to get medical care or for other necessities (the fever should be gone without the use of a fever-reducing medicine).


In addition, everyone should use appropriate respiratory and hand hygiene. (See H1N1 Flu and You). Gatherings may include graduations and commencement activities, concerts, sporting events, and other gatherings where close contact is likely among a large number of attendees.


Individuals can take measures to help protect themselves and their family members from novel influenza A (H1N1) infection, including active promotion of good hygiene practices. (See H1N1 Flu and You)


For more information, see: H1N1 Flu Guidance


SIGNS & SYMPTOMS:

The signs and symptoms are similar to regular seasonal human influenza and include:

  • Fever (usually over 100° F/38° C)
  • Cough
  • Sore throat
  • Runny or stuffy nose
  • Body aches or headaches
  • Chills
  • Fatigue
  • Significant numbers also report diarrhea and vomiting

PREVENTION:

The virus is mainly spread from person to person through coughing, sneezing and respiratory secretions. Infected individuals are contagious from one day before and up to seven days after symptoms start.

Following are steps to help protect yourself and others from becoming infected:

  • Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it.
  • Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze. The CDC recommends washing your hands with soap and warm water for 15 to 20 seconds. Alcohol-based hand sanitizers are also effective. Hand sanitizers are located close to the exits of most campus restrooms
  • Avoid close contact with people who are sick with flu like symptoms.
  • Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth. Germs spread this way.

Please visit the Center for Disease Control and Prevention website for more complete information and facts at: http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/

 

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