Current Health Issues
SWINE FLU INFORMATION
A Pandemic Is Declared
On June 11, 2009, the World Health Organization (WHO) raised the worldwide pandemic alert level to Phase 6 in response to the ongoing global spread of the novel influenza A (H1N1) virus. A Phase 6 designation indicates that a global pandemic is underway.
More than 70 countries are now reporting cases of human infection with novel H1N1 flu. This number has been increasing over the past few weeks, but many of the cases reportedly had links to travel or were localized outbreaks without community spread. The WHO designation of a pandemic alert Phase 6 reflects the fact that there are now ongoing community level outbreaks in multiple parts of world.
WHO’s decision to raise the pandemic alert level to Phase 6 is a reflection of the spread of the virus, not the severity of illness caused by the virus.
- Flu Prevention Flyer (Adobe Acrobat PDF)
H1N1 Information Letter:
Dear UIW Community:
In anticipation of major outbreaks of Novel H1N1 Flu (formerly called swine flu) on college campuses this fall and winter, we at the University of the Incarnate Word have taken important steps in preparing for flu season. We are asking the UIW community to reduce the potential for spreading the flu by practicing safe habits related to hygiene and exposure.
The most important things you can do to prevent the spread of infection is to wash your hands often, avoid sharing drinks and food, cover sneezes and coughs with a tissue or shirt fabric, stay home when ill, and get your influenza vaccine. Your help in reinforcing these health tips with colleagues, family and friends will help greatly in this educational effort. We strongly encourage you to get vaccinated for the flu.
The most comprehensive general information regarding Novel H1N1 Flu infection and ways to minimize its spread is on the Centers for Disease Control website @www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu.
Health Services will offer the seasonal influenza vaccine in September or October. When the vaccine becomes available, we will notify the campus community of dates and locations of “flu shot clinics” on campus and we encourage everyone to consider getting the vaccine.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention predicts the H1N1 vaccine will be available sometime in December and will most likely consist of two injections, given one month apart. We will make every effort to obtain the H1N1 vaccine as soon as it becomes available. Depending on when this vaccine is provided to us, we will plan flu shot clinics for the H1N1 influenza as well.
We can’t emphasize enough the importance of these infection prevention efforts. A thermometer is an excellent way to monitor one’s own health. Please refer to the following websites for additional information and the latest updates about H1N1 Influenza:
University of the Incarnate Word Health Services H1N1 Influenza information:
http://www.uiw.edu/health/currentissues.html
Texas Department of State Health Services:
http://www.dshs.state.tx.us/swineflu/
World Health Organization:
http://www.who.int/csr/disease/swineflu/en/index.html
The University of The Incarnate Word is committed to the health and safety of its community. With your help, we hope to make the 2009-2010 school year a safe, healthy and productive time for our students and the entire UIW community. Thank you.
Marveen Mahon BSN, RN
Director of Health Services
University of the Incarnate Word
Interim Recommendations Regarding H1N1 Influenza: From the CDC
- 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.
- Because the spread of novel influenza A (H1N1) within a health professions school may pose special concerns, school administrators are strongly encouraged to contact their state and local public health authorities if they suspect that cases of ILI are present on their campuses.
- 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 fever has resolved, fever is defined as an oral temperature of 100.5 or higher.
- 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.
