H1N1 FLU UPDATE

August 28, 2009

Bard College has a pandemic task force that meets regularly. We are in frequent contact with the Dutchess County and New York State Health Departments for updates on the most current recommendations. Students who exhibit flu-like symptoms are routinely tested according the state protocol.

Protect Yourself and Others From Influenza

Flu viruses are spread most vigorously by inhaling droplets produced by coughing or sneezing of people with influenza. This is why cough etiquette—covering nose and mouth with a tissue while coughing or sneezing, or coughing/sneezing tightly into the crook of the elbow—is an important precaution.

Close personal contact is also likely to spread the virus, as well as contact with contaminated surfaces. Frequent hand washing is an important preventive measure, especially after coughing or sneezing. Avoid touching eyes, nose, and mouth, since germs can be spread this way.

If you become ill with a flu-like illness, please seek medical care (for students on campus, call Health Service ext. 7433 or after hours/weekends BEMS ext. 7777) and limit contact with others to keep from infecting them.

• Precaution: Anyone on campus exhibiting flu symptoms should report to a medical practitioner. Students should go to Health Services or call BEMS after hours (x7777), and faculty and staff should call their primary care provider.
• Precaution: We are asking that students with compromised immune systems (including serious heart, lung, kidney or liver diseases, and diabetes) contact Health Services for advice regarding precautionary measures.
• Curtailment of Certain Activities: We are asking that if a student, staff or faculty member develops cough and flu symptoms that they report to Health Services or their Primary Care Physician as appropriate, not attend classes/work, and stay in their rooms or at home. We also ask that students, especially those with symptoms, limit their visits to public places.

Frequently Asked Questions about the H1N1 virus.

To prevent the spread of swine flu, the CDC suggests:

• Avoiding contact with ill persons;
• covering your nose and mouth when you cough or sneeze; and
• throwing used tissues in a trash can.
• Sneeze or cough tightly into your elbow if you do not have tissues and a way to sanitize your hands. 
• After you cough or sneeze, wash your hands with soap and water, or use an alcohol-based hand gel.

Keep in mind that all flu can be spread through droplets, such as from coughing and sneezing, so all members of the community are encouraged to keep a distance of six feet from someone coughing and sneezing, or exhibiting any other flu-like symptoms. Easy preventative measures to take include frequent hand-washing with soap and water, getting plenty of rest, managing stress, drinking fluids such as water and sports drinks, avoiding alcohol and eating a nutritious diet. Don’t touch potentially contaminated cups, foods, items or equipment. Keep surfaces such as desks, counters and door handles clean.

Summary: Although the H1N1 Flu strain is not believed to pose a significant threat to healthy adults, the College believes that these precautionary steps are necessary and appropriate. We are continuing to consult and follow the advice of public health authorities, and sharing developments with the College community through email. We will update you as further information becomes available. In the meantime, check out the swine flu pages of the CDC web site for recommendations and tips for staying healthy.

For more information, visit: http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/ or http://www.who.int/csr/disease/swineflu/en/index.html.

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Questions and Answers about H1N1 Influenza*

What is H1N1 influenza?

H1N1 influenza is a respiratory disease caused by the type A influenza virus that regularly causes outbreaks of influenza in pigs. H1N1 influenza viruses cause high levels of illness and low death rates in pigs. H1N1 influenza viruses may circulate among swine throughout the year, but most outbreaks occur during the late fall and winter months similar to outbreaks in humans. The classical "swine flu" virus (an influenza type A H1N1 virus) was first isolated from a pig in 1930.

What are the symptoms of H1N1 influenza in humans?

The symptoms of H1N1 influenza in people are expected to be similar to the symptoms of regular human seasonal influenza and include fever, lethargy, lack of appetite, and coughing. Some people with H1N1 influenza also have reported runny nose, sore throat, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.

What should I do if I exhibit any flu-like symptoms?

If you experience any of the flu-like symptoms listed above, students should contact Health Services, while faculty and staff should contact their primary care clinician immediately.

What can I do to stay healthy?

• Practice good hygiene. Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze. Alcohol-based hands cleaners are also effective.
• Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs spread that way.
• Try to avoid close contact with sick people.
Influenza is thought to spread mainly person-to-person through coughing or sneezing of infected people.
If you get sick, make an appointment with your clinician.

I had a flu shot this year. Will that protect me from the H1N1 flu virus?

No. The H1N1 flu viruses are antigenically very different from human H1N1 viruses and, therefore, vaccines for human seasonal flu would not provide protection from H1N1 flu viruses.

Should I wear a face mask?

Surgical masks are only necessary if you have been diagnosed with the flu or are caring for someone who is ill.

Can people catch H1N1 influenza from eating pork?

No. The H1N1 flu virus is not transmitted by food; you cannot get it from eating pork or pork products. Eating properly handled and cooked pork and pork products is safe. Cooking pork to an internal temperature of 160°F kills the virus as it does other bacteria and viruses.

How does the H1N1 flu virus spread?

Now that it has made the leap to humans, this strain of flu seems to be transmitted like any strain of human influenza, which is mainly person-to-person transmission through coughing or sneezing of people infected with the influenza virus.

How can human infections with H1N1 influenza be diagnosed?

To diagnose H1N1 infection, a respiratory specimen would generally need to be collected within the first 4 to 5 days of illness (when an infected person is most likely to be shedding virus). However, some persons, especially children, may shed virus for 10 days or longer. Identification as a H1N1 influenza virus requires sending the specimen to the Department of Public Health for laboratory testing.

What medications are available to treat H1N1 viral infections in humans?

Antiviral medications are known to shorten the illness and are recommended for people with underlying chronic illnesses or people with severe symptoms. At this time, CDC recommends the use of oseltamivir or zanamivir for the treatment infection with H1N1 influenza viruses.

Should I cancel or postpone my travel plans?

Updated travel notices are available from the CDC at http://wwwn.cdc.gov/travel/.

*Much of this information is taken directly from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Website.