H1N1 (Swine Flu) Information
Flu shot information (PDF, 16KB)
Swine Flu (H1N1) Basic Information
In May 2009, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared H1N1 an “influenza pandemic.” What exactly does this mean, how can it affect you, and what can you do to protect yourself?
An influenza pandemic is a widespread outbreak of disease that occurs when a new flu virus appears that people have not been exposed to before. It spreads easily and can cause serious illness because of lack of immunity in the population. Seasonal flu outbreaks are caused by viruses that the population has seen before and people may have immunity from flu vaccines.
Symptoms of H1N1 flu and seasonal flu are similar. But even healthy adults may be at higher risk for serious complications from pandemic flu. With pandemics we also see a greater extent of social disruption such as transportation, social and governmental services and health care services. The Centers for Disease Control has expressed extreme concern about the seasonal and pandemic influenza coinciding in the approaching flu season.
As stated, the symptoms of N1H1 are similar to seasonal flu. These include: fever over 100 degrees, cough, sore throat, headache, body aches, fatigue, and possibly nausea and vomiting. The CDC recommends laboratory confirmation of N1H1 only in hospitalized or severely ill persons, not all persons with flu-like symptoms. If you develop these symptoms you should not come to work or seek treatment. If you have concerns or questions you should call the Student Health and Psychological Center (SHPS) at 654-6346 or your private health care provider. If you or some one you know, experiences the following symptoms, you should seek emergency medical attention: difficulty breathing, pain or pressure in chest or abdomen, bluish colored skin, not able to drink adequate fluids (dehydration), not easily aroused, fever with rash, sudden dizziness, confusion, severe or persistent vomiting. If you develop symptoms of H1N1, you should remain at home until at least 24 hours after you are free of fever (100 degrees) without the use of fever-reducing medications. In addition, wear a surgical mask if you must leave your home. Those that work in health care facilities should not return to work for 7 days after the start of symptoms or longer if symptoms persist.
It is important to protect yourself from catching the flu and also to prepare for the possible social disruption from a pandemic. In the work place you can protect yourself by: frequently hand washing or use of hand sanitizer, routine cleaning of surfaces (telephones, computer equipment, and other frequently touched surfaces), avoiding close contact and shaking hands with co-workers, use telephone or email contact when possible (social distancing), covering nose and mouth with disposable tissue or arm (not your hand) when sneezing or coughing, avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth, do not eat or drink in areas of the work place that are risky for infection, minimize or eliminate sharing of equipment or desks. Avoid crowds if possible. There are not currently any recommendations from the CDC to cancel large gatherings or classes in schools.
Personal protective equipment (PPE) is the least effective means of protecting yourself in the work place. But use of PPE could play an important role as the pandemic escalates. PPE consists of: gloves, disposable clothing, face shields, goggles, disposable shoe covers, face masks and respirators. Currently use of PPE is recommended only for health care workers in high risk situations.
Preparation for the flu season and spread of N1H1 should include a flu vaccine and a pneumonia vaccine specifically if you are over 65 or have a chronic illness. Knowing reliable sources of information are key. A list of web-sites will be at the conclusion of this article. CDC recommendations for preparing for a pandemic are: store a 2 week supply of water and food for your family and pets in case you cannot get out to a store, check that your supply of prescription and non-prescription medications are adequate, discuss important health issues with your family and loved ones – how and where will they be cared for, keep emergency contact information where all family members can access it, get involved in your community as it works to prepare for an influenza pandemic (Google Ventura County Public Health swine).
VC Plan:
1. September: The Student Health Center will notify staff via email when the flu vaccine arrives. Staff is encouraged to notify students when the vaccine is available. (200 doses, $20.00 fee)3. H1N1 vaccines may be available by mid- October and vaccination location will be announced by the Public Health Department. They will determine which groups of the population should be prioritized if the vaccine is initially available in extremely limited quantities.
4. The Student Health Center will be available to see ill students. Our health center doors will remain closed with a sign on it asking those with respiratory illness to don a mask upon entering the health center. We will make every attempt to move these students out of the waiting room and into an exam room as quickly as we can. Students will also be encouraged to call us by phone to talk about their signs/symptoms before coming in. We will continue this as long as our staff is able to handle the student load.
5. The Health Center will distribute hand washing signs and information regarding the flu throughout the campus. In addition, we will distribute hand sanitizers throughout the campus for students and staff to use on their hands and surfaces ( phones, desks keyboards, etc.).
Additional resources:
www.cdc.gov/h1n1/guidance/guidelines_colleges/
www.pandemicfle.govwww.conahec/portlets/h1n1virus/index (website that address international academic issues)
CDC Hotline: 1-800-CDC-INFO (Spanish and English)
Ventura College Students Health and Psychological Services 654-6346
Ventura College, 4667 Telegraph Road, Ventura, CA 93003 (805) 654-6400