H1N1 (Swine Origin Influenza Virus)

1. H1N1 (Swine Origin Influenza Virus) • The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) has identified human cases of swine-origin influenza A (H1N1) virus infection in the United States and other countries. • The University of Toledo is monitoring the situation through resources provided by national, state, and local health agencies.

2. H1N1 (Swine Origin Influenza Virus) • Novel H1N1 (aka “swine flu”) is a new influenza virus causing illness in people. • First detected in people in the United States in April 2009. • Spreading from person-to-person worldwide, probably in much the same way that regular seasonal influenza viruses spread. • On June 11, 2009, the World Health Organization (WHO) signaled that a pandemic of novel H1N1 flu was underway.

3. H1N1 (Swine Origin Influenza Virus) • An influenza pandemic happens when a new virus subtype emerges that has not previously • circulated in humans. • Similar to an epidemic, a pandemic is a disease outbreak where several people become severely ill with the same virus at the same time. • However, unlike an epidemic, a pandemic spreads throughout the world and results in an extremely high illness rate unless prevention strategies are rapidly implemented.

4. H1N1 (Swine Origin Influenza Virus) • Signs and Symptoms • Fever (1000F), cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, body aches, headache, chills and fatigue. • A significant number of people who have been infected with this virus also have reported diarrhea and vomiting. • The usual course is rather benign like the common flu • Nevertheless, severe illnesses and death has occurred as a result of illness associated with this virus. • Usually among people with other serious medical conditions • No one can predict if the next wave will be more severe

5. Prevention • Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. • Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it. • Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze. Alcohol-based hand cleaners are also effective. • Avoid close contact with sick people. • Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs spread this way.

6. Prevention • Washing your hands often will help protect you from germs. Wash with soap and water or clean with alcohol-based hand cleaner*. • CDC recommends that when you wash your hands -- with soap and warm water -- that you wash for 15 to 20 seconds. • If using gel, rub your hands until the gel is dry. The gel doesn't need water to work; the alcohol in it kills the germs on your hands.

7. Prevention HAND WASHING; the single most important factor in preventing the spread of dangerous germs.

8. Prevention • Vaccination • The H1N1 vaccine which is currently undergoing clinical tests may be ready late summer-early fall. • The seasonal flu vaccine is also recommended in addition to the H1N1 vaccination. • CDC’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP), a panel made up of medical and public health experts, met July 29, 2009, to make recommendations on who should receive the new H1N1 vaccine.

9. Prevention • Vaccination (H1N1) • The groups recommended to receive the novel H1N1 influenza vaccine include: • Pregnant women • Household contacts and caregivers for children younger than 6 months of age • Healthcare and emergency medical services personnel • All people from 6 months through 24 years of age • Persons aged 25 through 64 years who have health conditions associated with higher risk of medical complications from influenza.

10. Prevention • Persons who are at high risk of complications from novel influenza A (H1N1) infection should consider their risk of exposure to novel influenza if they attend public gatherings in communities where novel influenza A virus is circulating. • Gatherings may include concerts, sporting events, large student group meetings, graduations and commencement activities and other gatherings where close contact is likely among a large number of attendees.

11. Reduction of Transmission • If possible, residential students with flu-like illness should return to their home to keep from making others sick. • Students, faculty or staff who have ILI (Influenza Like Illness) should self-isolate (i.e., stay away from others) in their residence hall room or home for at least 24 hours after their fever (at least 100º F or 37.8 º C) is gone, without the use of a fever-reducing medicine (e.g. acetaminophen), except to get medical care or for other necessities.

12. Reduction of Transmission • Students should establish a “Flu Buddy Scheme”. • The “Flu Buddy Scheme” is a system in which students pair up to care for each other if one or the other becomes ill. • This includes delivering meals, getting class notes, picking up necessities and running other errands. • This will reduce the need for the ill student to leave their room.

13. Reduction of Transmission • If close contact cannot be avoided, the ill person should wear a surgical isolation mask during the period of contact. • Anyone with influenza should notify their contacts, friends, classmates, family members, co-workers. • Those who are exposed to someone with H1N1 flu do not need to panic.

14. Reduction of Transmission • If you start to feel symptoms stay away from others to prevent further spread. You do not need to stay out of work or class unless you develop symptoms. • Pregnant women should also contact their clinician immediately if they have been exposed. • http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/guidance/pregnant.htm • Those with flu-like illness should promptly seek medical attention if they have a medical condition that puts them at increased risk.

15. Reduction of Transmission • Also seek medical attention immediately if you develop sever symptoms such as increased fever, shortness of breath, chestpain or pressure, or rapid breathing. • Persons with ILI who wish to seek medical care should contact their health care provider or the Medical Center (MC) or University Health (HSC) to report illness by telephone or other remote means before seeking care.

16. Reduction of Transmission • If persons with ILI must leave their home or residence hall 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.

17. Reduction of Transmission • 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).

18. Preparedness Planning • Depending on how the pandemic develops, including the number of sick individuals, the University may have to evacuate (close?) for some period of time. • Your ability to stay healthy and to respond effectively will depend in part on your advance planning.

19. Preparedness Planning • If you live on or near campus and have to travel some distance to your permanent residence, what are your primary travel plans? Do you have a contingency plan? • If you commute and an evacuation is ordered, do you have at least one alternative commuter route between campus and your home?

20. Preparedness Planning • What should you do if your on-campus classes are interrupted, but your academic activities continue remotely through email or other communications? • Do you have a Flu Buddy to bring you meals, etc.?

21. Preparedness Planning • Prepare to have the following at home: • books and transportable (nonhazardous, nonsecure) research materials • laptop and portable technology devices and Internet access • class syllabi and faculty and other student contact information • individual course plans in the event of a campus evacuation • e-mail access and online learning options

22. Preparedness Planning • What should you know in case you require health care? • Individuals with mild illness should stay at home and call their physician if they have questions about care or treatment.  • UT Students and employees can consult the Medical Center on the Main Campus (419-530-3451) and University Health on the Health Science Campus (419-383-3000) with any questions. • If symptoms become severe, report to the UTMC ED.

23. Preparedness Planning • Will the university be able to reach you after you have evacuated? • Make sure your contact information is up to date (both email and phone) in the UT Alert system. Check your information by going to https://stuweb00.utoledo.edu/redalert/ • Resident students should ensure that hall desk staff have their current cell phone numbers.

24. Preparedness Planning • Do you have a personal emergency kit? • Contact information: phone and e-mail contact information for family and friends, as well as a previously identified third-party contact, in the event that you cannot reach a family member directly. • Medications: Fill prescriptions and have over-the-counter items in supply. Ask your healthcare provider about potential side effects or withdrawal symptoms you might experience if you are without your medications for a few days. Ask if there are ways to alleviate these effects or symptoms.

25. Preparedness Planning • Emergency kit (cont.) • Charging Devices: Ensure you have them for all your electronic devices. • Special Needs: Ensure you make others aware of any special needs. • Do you have enough personnel to handle critical responsibilities if you fall ill? • For example, you should have two additional people that should be able to take over the critical aspects of your role if you are not available.

26. University Communications • Get updated information from: • UT Alert • Email • UT News • My UT • University of Toledo H1N1 Web Page