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H1N1 Resources

Questions and Answers About H1N1 (Swine Flu)

 

Will Cal Poly be offering H1N1 immunizations to students?

The Health Center provided H1N1 vaccinations to at-risk students in early November. Additional vaccination clinics may be offered in Winter quarter, depending on vaccine availability. Read the press release at this link.

What should I do if I am sick with the flu?

We want you to read the following very carefully. In order for us to limit the spread of this virus, it is very important that you follow the following guidelines.
IF YOU ARE SICK WITH THE FLU, below are some tips on how to take care of yourself and to keep others healthy.

  • Know the signs and symptoms of flu. Symptoms of flu include fever or chills and cough or sore throat. In addition, symptoms of flu can include runny nose, body aches, headache, tiredness, diarrhea, or vomiting.  Generally, you will be sick with the flu for 5 to 7 days.
  • Stay home or at your place of residence if you are sick for at least 24 hours after there is no longer a fever (100 degrees Fahrenheit or 38 degrees Celsius) or signs of a fever (have chills, feel very warm, have a flushed appearance, or are sweating). This should be determined without the use of fever-reducing medications (any medicine that contains ibuprofen or acetaminophen). Staying away from others while sick can prevent others from getting sick too. Ask a roommate or friend to check up on you and to bring you food and supplies if needed. If you live in University Housing, implement your preplanned departure strategy.
  • Cover you mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing.  If you have no tissue, then couch into your elbow.
  • Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after coughing or sneezing. Alcohol-based hand cleaners are also effective if soap and water are not available.
  • Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth.  Germs spread this way.
  • Sick people should stay at home or in their residence, except to go to the health care provider’s office.
  • Stay in a separate room and avoid contact with others.  If someone is caring for you, wear a mask, if available and tolerable, when they are in the room.
  • Drink plenty of clear fluids (such as water, broth, sports drinks, and electrolyte beverages for infants) to keep from becoming dehydrated.
  • Contact your health care provider or institution’s health services if you are at higher risk for complications from flu for treatment. People at higher risk for flu complications include children under the age of 5 years, pregnant women, people of any age who have chronic medical conditions (such as asthma, diabetes, or heart disease), and people age 65 years and older.
  • Contact a healthcare provider or go to the Health Center right away if you are having
    • difficulty breathing,
    • have bluish skin tone,
    • are unable to keep fluids down
    • have signs of dehydration such as dizziness when standing up or absence of urination
    • have seizures
    • are confused or are less responsive than normal. 
  • You should begin to feel better 72 hours after getting sick, if not contact a healthcare provider or go to the Health Center.”

For specific information on how to take care of someone who is sick, visit: www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/guidance_homecare.htm

What steps should I take if my roommate is sick with the flu?

  • You should limit your contact with your sick roommate and try to maintain a distance of 6 feet from him or her.
  • If close contact cannot be avoided, your sick roommate should wear a surgical mask, if tolerable, when he or she is around you and other people.
  • You should frequently clean commonly-touched surfaces.
  • Contact Housing staff.

Are there any known cases of the H1N1 flu virus at Cal Poly?

As of September 25, 2009, Health & Counseling Services has tested a number of students who have visited the campus health center with Influenza Like Illness (ILI). Students were tested based on the Centers for Disease Control criteria.

  • These tests have confirmed that H1N1 is present in our student population. Both on-campus and off-campus residents have tested positive.
  • Per CDC and County Health recommendations we will not be performing exhaustive or extensive testing of every suspect case; selection of patients for testing will continue to follow the CDC guidelines
  • The campus will continue to support and respond to all ILI as recommend by County Public Health

Is the university communicating with public health officials?

University officials are in frequent contact with San Luis Obispo County public health officials.

What is the university doing to prepare for a possible H1N1 outbreak?

An executive team meets weekly to review and update current information. Timely and relevant updates are posted on the Cal Poly H1N1 Information Center at http://flu.calpoly.edu as necessary. University officials have a plan in place to address a possible outbreak.

How will the campus community be notified in the event of an H1N1 case?

According to San Luis Obispo County Public Health officials, testing is limited to hospitalized cases and deaths that may be related to H1N1 infection. University officials will, therefore, not know if campus community members have a standard or H1N1 strain of virus. We encourage our community to visit the H1N1 Information Center regularly for updated information.

Is the Cal Poly Health Center available to assist with possible H1N1 cases?

The Health Center is open to screen and treat students as it normally does. Health and Counseling Services is prepared to respond to an on-campus outbreak through a variety of operational changes, depending on any outbreak.

Can I obtain assistance after hours or when the Health Center is closed?

Health and Counseling Services has contracted with a healthcare assistance and information service, Nurse Response. This service is available free to students and provides telephone consultation with a Registered Nurse. Students may call toll free-1-866-439-2012. Additiona information is available on the Health & Counseling Services website. Maps and contact information for local after-hours healthcare providers is available here.

Will the campus close if a large number of people contract flu?

Cal Poly will operate on a business as usual basis. The Centers for Disease Control recommends that campuses remain open but may consider suspending classes if necessary. Cal Poly will work with San Luis Obispo County Public Health officials to determine if class suspensions are necessary. In the meantime, faculty will work with students to be as flexible as possible in dealing with medical absences.

Is the university taking any extra precautions to help mitigate the spread of H1N1?

The university has issued a campus-wide memo to faculty, staff and students on how to keep from contracting and spreading flu, as well as information for after-hours care facilities. This information is also posted on the Cal Poly H1N1 Information Center, along with links to other health organizations. Special informational campaigns in University Housing are underway to help mitigate the spread of illness. Additionally, custodians continue to focus on disinfecting high-contact areas from bathrooms to doorknobs and light switches.

What can I do to avoid contracting H1N1?

University health officials recommend the campus community follow the Centers for Disease Control precautionary instructions for institutions of higher education:

  • Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze;
  • Throw tissue in trash after you use it;
  • Wash your hands frequently with soap and water especially after you cough or sneeze. Alcohol-based hand cleaner is also effective if soap and water aren’t readily available;
  • Avoid close contact with sick people, including kissing, sharing eating utensils, or drinking from the same container;
  • Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth – germs spread this way;
  • If you get influenza-like illness symptoms, stay home from work or school except to seek medical care. Also, limit contact with others to keep from infecting them.

Is it advisable to wear a mask?

Centers for Disease Control are recommending masks for health officials and anyone exhibiting signs of upper respiratory illness. For more information about using masks to mitigate H1N1, visit http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/masks.htm.

Should I use soap and water to clean my hands or hand sanitizer?

Washing hands with soap and water is the most effective way to clean hands. Hand sanitizer is an effective option when soap and water are not readily available for cleansing. Hand sanitizers are no more or less effective than soap and water. See "What can I do to help keep from contracting H1N1?" (above).

What are the symptoms of H1N1?

According to the Centers for Disease Control, H1N1 symptoms are similar to regular influenza symptoms. Symptoms may include:

  • Fever (usually high);
  • Headache;
  • Extreme tiredness;
  • Dry cough;
  • Sore throat;
  • Runny or stuffy nose;
  • Muscle aches;
  • Stomach symptoms, such as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea, also can occur but are more common in children than adults.

Will the university notify parents and family members if their student contracts H1N1?

Under normal circumstances you will not be contacted. Medical privacy laws prevent the university from notifying parents about their adult children's health issues. In the case of a serious illness, you may be contacted if you are listed as the student's emergency contact. According to the Centers for Disease Control, if you have severe illness or you are at high risk for flu complications, contact your health care provider or seek medical care. Your health care provider will determine whether flu testing or treatment is needed.

In adults, emergency warning signs that need urgent medical attention include:

  • Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
  • Pain or pressure in the chest or abdomen
  • Sudden dizziness
  • Confusion
  • Severe or persistent vomiting
  • Flu-like symptoms improve but then return with fever and worse cough

Where can I learn more about H1N1?

Visit the following Web sites for extensive information about H1N1 including precautions, symptoms, treatment, health protocols etc.

San Luis Obispo County Health Department
http://www.slocounty.ca.gov/health/publichealth/swineflu.htm

Centers for Disease Control
http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/

World Health Organization
http://www.who.int/csr/disease/swineflu/en/index.html

Who can I call for after-hours care?

Visit the Health Center After Hours Web site
http://www.hcs.calpoly.edu/afterhours.html