Campus information regarding influenza A H1N1 (“swine flu”)
There has been a great deal of media attention concerning the novel H1N1 or “swine flu” virus. Health officials predict an increase in H1N1 cases during the 2009-2010 “flu season,” and this web page was created to keep you informed of the steps the University is taking to prepare. By staying informed and taking precautionary actions, you can play an important role in our effort to prevent the spread of this virus!
For many years, the University has had an emergency operations team in place to address wide ranging campus issues, including health and safety concerns. This team has been actively engaged in preparation efforts to respond to the H1N1 flu. A Pandemic Flu Plan was created in 2006 and updated earlier this year. A Pandemic Flu Advisory Committee consisting of representatives of Student Services, Student Health, Police, Housing, Media Relations, Facilities, and Environmental Health & Safety departments continues to meet to address and plan for campus needs.
As new information about H1N1 becomes available, we will provide updates via email and this web page. It is important that we as a campus community are aware and informed, but avoid unnecessary panic about the H1N1 virus. Be assured that preparedness plans are in place. And remember, we can all do our part to help prevent its spread.
Sincerely,
Cheryl Hug-English MD, MPH
Medical Director Student Health Center
University of Nevada, Reno
H1N1 FLU VACCINATION CLINICS ON CAMPUS
The Student Health Center will hold an on-campus clinic offering the H1N1 vaccine to students, faculty and staff, in high-risk groups on a first-come, first served basis:
Wednesday, Dec. 9 from 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. (or as long as supplies last), at the Joe Crowley Student Union, first floor.
There will be a $20 administrative fee for faculty and staff; students will be vaccinated free of charge.
High-risk groups include:
- everyone ages 6 months to 24 years old,
- pregnant women,
- household contacts and caregivers for children younger than 6 months of age,
- persons aged 25 through 64 years who have health conditions (for example, asthma or diabetes) associated with higher risk of medical complications from influenza, and
- healthcare and emergency medical services personnel.
Only about 250 vaccinations will be available. The vaccinations will be administered to students who fall into any of these high-risk categories on a first-come, first-served basis. Additional on-campus H1N1 Vaccination Clinics will be held on campus as more of the vaccine becomes available. Continue to check this Web site for updates and scheduled clinics.
OTHER H1N1 FLU VACCINATION CLINICS & INFORMATION: The Washoe County Health District is holding clinics for vaccination of high-risk people against the novel H1N1 flu.
Visit http://www.washoecounty.us/health/ephp/iis/h1n1/clinic.html for clinic schedules.
Flu Shots
Keep in mind, this season there are separate shots for seasonal flu and H1N1 flu. Check this Web site weekly, as updated information for students, faculty and staff will be provided as it becomes available to the University.
SEASONAL FLU SHOTS FOR STUDENTS: The Student Health Center administers free seasonal flu shots daily to University students with a valid student ID until doses run out. Seasonal flu shots are available at the Student Health Center during these times:
- 8-11 a.m. Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday
- 9-11 a.m. Wednesday
- 3-5 p.m. Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday
Please call the Student Health Center at 775-784-6598 with questions or for more information.
SEASONAL FLU SHOTS FACULTY AND STAFF: Renown is offering several flu shot clinics, where faculty and staff who are fully insured by the HMO or PPO plans of Hometown Health or Senior Care Plus can get free seasonal flu shots. For a complete list of clinics, visit www.renown.org/flu or call 775-982-4100.
Human Resources “Q&A” for faculty and staff
Frequently asked HR questions
Faculty and staff who are ill with the flu should stay home for 24 hours after they are fever free without the use of fever reducing medications. Learn more here about sick leave and other policies that pertain to illness including the H1N1 Virus.
About H1N1 or “swine flu”
What we know about H1N1: This is a new strain of the flu virus. The first cases of the H1N1 flu were identified in Mexico in April 2009 and it has since spread quickly throughout the world. So far, the severity of this virus does not appear to be much different than the seasonal flu. However, we can expect to see many more cases as few of us will have immunity to this virus. This virus appears to be more frequent in children and young adults than the seasonal flu.
Symptoms of the flu: This is a respiratory illness with symptoms including: fever greater than 100 degrees, headache, fatigue, sore throat, cough, runny or congested nose, and body aches. In some individuals, diarrhea and vomiting may also occur.
Nature of the H1N1 infection: Like seasonal flu, H1N1 in humans can vary in severity from mild to severe. The current reported cases in the United States have been relatively mild.
How the flu spreads: The flu spreads in respiratory droplets when people who are infected cough or sneeze. The flu virus can live for up to 8 hours on surfaces and can also be spread by touching surfaces with influenza virus on it and then touching eyes, nose, or mouth. Individuals are contagious for 1 day prior to the development of symptoms and up to 24 hours after fever has resolved.
Steps to help prevent the spread of the flu: Wash your hands frequently; cover your coughs and sneezes; avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth; and don’t share food, drink, or utensils. If you live with other students, frequently clean commonly used surfaces such as doorknobs, keyboards, and bathroom areas. Try to avoid close contact with sick people. If you are ill with flu like symptoms, stay home until 24 hours after your fever is gone without the use of fever-reducing medicine. Eat well, get enough sleep, and exercise regularly!
Vaccination: Getting vaccinated is one of the best ways to protect yourself against the flu. This year, there will be a vaccine for the seasonal flu as well as additional vaccines for the H1N1 flu which may need to be given twice. These vaccines will be available sometime in the fall. We will have updates when the vaccines are available.
Antivirals: Antiviral medication is available for use in certain circumstances such as in severe or hospitalized cases of the flu. These medications are not a cure for the flu, but may be helpful for those who have other chronic conditions such as heart disease, asthma, lung conditions, immune deficiencies, or in pregnant women or young children. Antiviral medications are not given to all people with the flu because most people get better on their own and overuse can promote resistant viruses.
Treatment: The majority of the individuals infected with this virus will not need to seek a doctor’s care. Self care with fluids, rest, Tylenol or ibuprofen (no aspirin) may be all that is needed. Faculty, staff, or students who are ill with the flu should stay home (or in their dorm room) for 24 hours after they are fever free without the use of fever reducing medications. A mild cough may persist; however, the cough should not prevent students from returning to class. Pregnant women, young children, and those with diabetes, asthma, heart disease, or immune deficiencies with flu like symptoms should consult a physician or the Student Health Center. Anyone having symptoms such as difficulty breathing, chest or abdominal pain, sudden dizziness, confusion, or severe or persistent vomiting should seek emergency care.
Class Activities: As noted above, faculty, staff, or students who are ill with the flu should stay home (or in their residence hall room) for 24 hours after they are fever free without the use of fever reducing medications. We do not anticipate closure of the campus. The latest information from the Center for Disease Control (CDC) does not recommend school closures for cases of H1N1. However, the University’s emergency response team will continue to monitor the campus situation, working closely with our local and state health divisions to make recommendations. Any decision to modify campus classes or activities would be made by the University president in consultation with the emergency response team and would be communicated widely to all faculty, staff and students through email and other communications. (Students who are ill with flu-like symptoms should notify their professors that they will need to miss class.)
Residence Halls: If possible, students with flu-like illness who live in on-campus housing should return home until 24 hours after their fever is gone without the use of fever-reducing medicine. Students who remain on campus should remain in their rooms until 24 hours after their fever is gone and receive meals in their room. “Flu buddies” (residence-hall mates who are not ill) should be used to bring food to the ill student’s room. Wearing a surgical mask and frequent handwashing when around roommates or other people is encouraged.
Student Health Center: Students at the University of Nevada, Reno are encouraged to visit or contact the Student Health Center if they have questions about H1N1 flu or if they feel they are experiencing flu-like symptoms. The Student Health Center is located on the north campus in the Redfield Building. The phone number is 784-6598. For more information, visit the Student Health Center web page.
More information: Watch for information posters, fliers and hand sanitizer in various classrooms and gathering places across campus. As new information about H1N1 becomes available, this web page will be updated.
More information about H1N1 is available at the following websites:
Center for Disease Control and Prevention
Washoe County District Health Department
Nevada State Health Division
State of Nevada health officials have established a toll-free bilingual hotline which is staffed 24 hours a day, seven days a week. For information about H1N1 (not specific to the University), call 1-866-767-5038.