H1N1 Flu Update, 11/12/09
The VCU Student Health Center has received a limited supply of H1N1 vaccine and will administer it to students during the Walk-In immunization clinic per the hours posted on the health center Web site: http://www.students.vcu.edu/health/immunizations/
Persons with a usual case of seasonal or H1N1 can treat flu symptoms at home with rest, acetaminophen or ibuprofen to reduce fever and by drinking fluids. An unnecessary trip to the doctor or hospital emergency room could spread the flu to others If you have a medical condition such as asthma that puts you at risk for complications from the flu contact your health care provider to determine if you need to be seen. Seek immediate medical attention if you experience shortness of breath or an altered mental state.
If you have flu like symptoms and are a health science student, you should stay home from class and patient care areas until you have been fever free for 24 hours. If you work with severely immuno-compromised patients you should seek guidance from Student Health before returning.
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Public health officials expect a significant increase in the number of H1N1 cases during the next several months. Typical flu symptoms include fever or chills and cough or sore throat. Symptoms also may include a runny nose, body aches, headache, tiredness, and diarrhea or vomiting. If you have medical conditions such as asthma or pregnancy that put you at risk for complications from the flu you should contact your health care provider if you become ill.
In addition to asthma and pregnancy, persons at risk for complications from the flu include those with chronic medical conditions such as diabetes or heart disease, immune- suppressed persons, children less than 5 years old and persons aged 65 years or older.
Based on current conditions, the CDC is recommending that students, faculty and staff with flu-like symptoms should stay in their homes, dormitories or residence halls for at least 24 hours after they no longer have a fever (100 degrees Fahrenheit or 38 degrees Celsius) or signs of a fever. This should be determined without the use of fever-reducing medications. The exception to this pertains to students, faculty and staff who work in patient care areas. They should be excluded from work for seven days from onset of symptoms or until 24 hours after symptoms have resolved, whichever is longer.
It is recommended that you get vaccinated for the seasonal flu and the H1N1 virus. Faculty and staff should visit the VCU Employee Health Services home page for vaccine information.
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- In the meantime, you are encouraged to take the following steps to prevent the spread of the H1N1 or seasonal flu:
- Practice good hand hygiene by washing your hands with soap and water, especially after coughing or sneezing
- Alcohol-based hand cleaners also are effective.
- Practice respiratory etiquette by covering your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. If you don't have a tissue, cough or sneeze into your elbow or shoulder, not into your hands.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth - germs are spread this way.
- Know the signs and symptoms of the flu. A fever is a temperature taken with a thermometer that is equal to or greater than 100 degrees Fahrenheit or 38 degrees Celsius. Look for possible signs of fever: if a person feels very warm, has a flushed appearance or is sweating or shivering.
- Prepare a "health kit" with a thermometer, tissues, medication for fever and alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
- Identify a "flu buddy" who could get meals or missed assignments for you while you are ill.
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VCU and VCU Medical Center officials are working closely with Richmond and Virginia health departments to monitor conditions and make decisions about the best steps to take concerning our institution.
For up-to-date information on flu, call the VCU H1N1 hotline at 828-9011. Visit www.flu.gov, or call 1-800-CDC-INFO. The Virginia Department of Health also will answer questions about H1N1 flu during regular business hours at 1-877-275-8343 (1-877-ASK-VDH3). In addition, students may call VCU Student Health at 828-8828 on the Monroe Park Campus, or 828-9220 on the MCV Campus. Faculty and staff may call VCU Employee Health at 828-0584.
