H1N1 (Swine) Flu general information
November 9, 2009 -- Announcement:
To All Current WOU Students: The Student Health and Counseling Center are hosting 3 Free H1N1 Clinics
Click to view flyer with information about the November Clinics | These are Walk-In Clinics
General information
On June 11, 2009, the World Health Organization (WHO) signaled that a pandemic of novel H1N1 flu was underway. H1N1 (also known as swine flu) is a relatively new influenza virus, according to the CDC. It is spreading from person-to-person, in much the same way as the seasonal flu does. H1N1 is not spread by eating food and cannot be contracted by eating pork or pork products. People with H1N1 influenza should be considered potentially contagious as long as they are symptomatic and possibly up to seven days following illness onset.
While most cases of the virus have been contracted through airborne droplets, studies have shown that influenza virus can survive on environmental surfaces and can infect a person for up to eight hours after being deposited on the surface. The virus can be destroyed with chemicals used in the everyday cleaning of campus. Individuals can use alcohol-based wipes or gels to keep hands clean and kill any trace of the virus - as long as they are used according to the manufacturer’s directions; i.e.: gels should be rubbed into hands until they are dry. The best defense against the flu virus is to wash your hands frequently throughout the day, especially after coughing, sneezing, or blowing your nose.
Take everyday steps to protect your health
- Wash your hands frequently with soap and warm water, especially after you cough or sneeze. Or use hand sanitizer, available in locations around campus.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth. Germs spread this way.
- Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze (then throw out the tissue). If a tissue is not available, use your upper sleeve rather than your hand.
- Monitor yourself and members of your household for common flu symptoms including fever, cough, sore throat, body aches, headache, chills and fatigue. If you have a fever along with other symptoms, stay home from school or work for at least 24 hours after your fever is gone without using fever reduction medicine (Tylenol, Advil, etc.)
- Seek emergency medical care immediately if you or a person you are caring for develop warning signs of more severe infection
- Avoid close contact (less than six feet) with sick persons if possible.
- If you do have the flu, please stay home to avoid infecting others.
If you feel sick
If you have mild flu symptoms, the CDC and campus health officials urge you to stay home or in your residence hall room to avoid making others sick. You should remain at home or in your residence hall room, except to get medical care or for other necessities, until your fever has been gone for at least 24 hours. Additional advice about how to avoid spreading the flu is available from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
If you have severe symptoms, or if you are at high risk for complications from the flu, contact your health care provider or seek medical care. (People at high risk for flu complications include those with such conditions as diabetes, asthma and obesity). Your health care provider will decide whether flu testing or treatment is needed.
- WOU students may call their personal health care provider or the
Student Health and Counseling Center at (503) 838-8313. - Faculty and staff should call their personal health care providers.
| In an emergency - call 911 |
Resources: for more information about swine flu, visit the following
WOU - H1N1 info
Common questions (FAQ) | Student Health Director's - message to students | President's messages to faculty and staff
Recommended reading
Return of swine flu: What's ahead for Americans? an AP release
Recommended Web sites
- www.flu.oregon.gov (information in English and Spanish)
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/
- Travel information: www.cdc.gov/swineflu/investigation.htm#travel
- World Health Organization (WHO): www.who.int/csr/disease/swineflu/en
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention hotline at 1-800-CDC-INFO (232- 4636)
- Public Employees’ Benefit Board: http://oregon.gov/DAS/PEBB/flushots.shtml
- CDC Higher Education Guidance: http://www.flu.gov/plan/school/higheredguidance.html
2009 Seasonal Flu Clinics sponsored by Polk County Health Department
Note: Clinics for the H1N1 flu vaccine by Polk Co. Health will be scheduled when vaccine is available.
For information about H1N1 flu shots at the Polk Co. Health Dept. in Dallas click on this link: http://www.co.polk.or.us/H1N1