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The 411 on H1N1. Marcia Nickle Emergency Preparedness Coordinator Campus and Public Safety. Influenza: The Signs and Symptoms. Respiratory virus (not stomach “flu”) Influenza strains change slightly each year Symptoms Fever (over 100° F) Cough Headaches and body aches Severe fatigue
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The 411 on H1N1 Marcia Nickle Emergency Preparedness Coordinator Campus and Public Safety
Influenza: The Signs and Symptoms • Respiratory virus (not stomach “flu”) • Influenza strains change slightly each year • Symptoms • Fever (over 100° F) • Cough • Headaches and body aches • Severe fatigue • Runny Nose • Sore Throat • Gastrointestinal issues • Nausea or Vomiting
Transmission of Influenza • Coughing or Sneezing • Direct contact with: • Person with symptoms (6 feet) • Contaminated surface (2-8 hours) • Individuals are contagious from 1 day BEFORE symptoms to upwards of 7 days after symptoms • Incubation period – 1 to 7 days • Monitor for symptoms
Treatment for Influenza • Rest • Plenty of fluids • Tylenol/Acetaminophen for pain/fever • Antiviral medications • Given to those with a high risk of influenza complications, severely ill or hospitalized • Should be given within 2 days of onset of symptoms for maximum effectiveness
What the University is Doing to Prepare for H1N1’s Return • Faculty consultations on alternate forms of teaching (online) • Adherence to State of Delaware Public Health and CDC guidance • Developing and updating emergency plans on H1N1 • “H1N1: 411” webpage with all the latest information on H1N1
What the University is Doing to Prepare for H1N1’s Return • Educational Campaign • Posters across campus • Informational pamphlets • Student information/question and answer session
Seasonal Flu Vaccination Program • States are expecting deliveries of seasonal flu vaccines earlier (late September) than usual (mid to end of October) • UD plans to hold flu clinics as soon as we receive the vaccine and do the clinics in multiple locations across campus
H1N1 Vaccination Program • States are expecting deliveries of the H1N1 vaccine in November/December • UD is prepared to deliver the H1N1 vaccine in the priority order given by CDC: • Pregnant women • Caregivers of infants 6 months and younger • Health care and EMS personnel • Children/young adults age 6 months to 24 years • Adults 25 to 64 years with chronic medical conditions
What can you do? • Get the seasonal flu shot • Sign up for UD Alert • Stay home if you are sick • Wash hands or use alcohol-based hand sanitizer frequently • Cover mouth with arm when sneezing or coughing • Don’t go back to class or to group events until you are fever free for 24 hours (without Tylenol) • Communicate the above to your residents
Stay Healthy! Marcia Nickle Emergency Preparedness Coordinator 831-0383 mnickle@udel.edu