Influenza information for parents

The Pandemic Flu Committee is working with local and state officials during the flu pandemic.  We are adhering to CDC guidelines for prevention and containment of the flu.

•    The novel H1N1 influenza (swine-related) is now considered a pandemic which means the virus is widespread and occurring in most areas of the world. There has been at least one confirmed case in Baldwin County and possibly others. We expect there will be other cases.

•    Seasonal flu typically results in about 36,000 deaths nationwide and more than 200,000 hospitalizations are from flu-related causes. Flu is deadly, both seasonal flu and H1N1. So far, H1N1 has not been as deadly as seasonal flu, but the virus may become more severe in the colder months. It is possible that someone could contract both H1N1 influenza and seasonal influenza. So far, the population most affected, by the novel H1N1 flu are between the ages of 5 -24 years. We are therefore concerned that a large outbreak could occur on our campus.

•    Testing for H1N1 flu is no longer being done for diagnostic purposes but only for surveillance.  The State Lab is now primarily testing samples from those hospitalized or in some cases children. Therefore, a person will probably not know if they have H1N1 flu or seasonal flu. Many cases diagnosed this summer were assumed to be H1N1 flu since seasonal flu does not occur in the summer. We are able to test for seasonal flu in the Student Health Clinic as in most health care offices.

•    Symptoms of the novel H1N1 flu are the same as seasonal flu. The usual symptoms are fever, cough, sore throat, runny/stuffy nose, body aches, and occasionally nausea and vomiting.

•    Many people recover from the flu without seeking medical attention. Treatment consists of rest, fluids, acetaminophen, good hygiene, and staying away from others. Antiviral medications are sometimes prescribed but only work in about 70% of cases and must be started within 48 hours of symptoms beginning. A course of Tamiflu costs around $100.

•    The CDC recommends staying home for 24 hours after fever has subsided without the use of medications. Should symptoms worsen, persons with the flu should contact their health care provider.

•    Persons who are sick should stay home, away from others (called social distancing). You should stay away from those who are sick.

•    Residential students seen in the Student Health Clinic who are diagnosed with flu will be asked to go home until they have been without fever for 24 hours.  If they cannot return home, temporary alternative housing will be offered them at West Campus.

•    Flu shots will soon be offered by Student Health Services.  The cost will be $20 for faculty and staff and this year will be given free to students. When the novel H1N1 vaccine is available we will be offering the vaccine to faculty, staff, and students at no cost and according to CDC priorities.

•     Good hygiene is the most effective prevention for the spread of the flu.

•    Cover nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it and wash hands. If the is no tissue, cough or sneeze into sleeve.

•    Wash hands often with soap and water, especially after coughing or sneezing. Use alcohol-based hand cleaners if soap and water are not available.

•    If sick, stay home from work or school and limit contact with others to keep from infecting them. Stay at home until you are free of fever and other flu-like symptoms (without the use of fever reducing medication) for 24 hours.

•    Avoid touching eyes, nose or mouth to keep germs on the hands from entering the mucous membranes.

•    Keep surfaces clean as normal with household disinfectants.

Bottom line:

CONNECTING WHAT MATTERS

   

H1N1 (Swine Flu)