H1N1 (Swine) Flu:

Recommendations for Staff

FAU staff are important partners in Florida Atlantic University’s efforts to address the challenges of the current H1N1 Influenza (swine flu) pandemic and reduce the transmission rate of this virus on our campuses and in the community.  The current incidence of the H1N1 (Swine) Flu is now at level 6 pandemic, the highest level. The average age of H1N1 patients is 20. During the summer and into the beginning of the fall term, several Florida Atlantic University students have been symptomatically identified as being ill with the Swine Flu. The U. S. Centers for Disease Control (CDC) anticipates incidences of this disease will begin to increase markedly by mid-September.  Most patients have experienced mild to moderate cases and recovered within seven days. However, we are likely to see more cases in the fall and spring.

As you may know, flu can be spread easily from person to person. Therefore, we are taking steps to prevent the spread of flu at Florida Atlantic University , but, we need your help to accomplish this.  We are working closely with County Health Departments and the Florida Department of Health to monitor flu conditions and make decisions about the best steps to take concerning our institution. We will keep you updated with new information as it becomes available to us.

We encourage staff who see co-workers, visitors or students who appear ill to:

• Advise the ill person to contact the campus health centers or his or her own health care provider.

• Explain to the ill person what he or she can do to prevent the spread of the virus.

• Physically distance themselves from others who are coughing or sneezing or who do not look well; avoid handshaking or sharing of personal items.Wash their hands thoroughly several times a day.

• Wash their hands thoroughly several times a day.
  

For now, we are doing everything we can to keep our institution operating as usual. Staff should promptly notify their supervisors and/or department directors should flu-like symptoms be felt so that proactive measures may be taken.  Every effort will be made to accommodate staffing levels and projects in affected units.  No disciplinary actions should be imposed for safety precautions taken.  In light of a university declared pandemic, consideration for advanced leave may be granted on a case-by-case basis.

Here are a few things FAU Staff can do to help:

• 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 and may spread onto your work stations, keyboards, desks, door handles and knobs.

• 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: feeling very warm, having a flushed appearance, sweating or shivering.   Other symptoms may include 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.

• Stay home if you have flu or flu-like illness utilizing appropriate leave accruals in keeping with university policies and procedures.  You should remain away from the worksite for at least 24 hours after you no longer have a fever (100 degrees Fahrenheit or 38 degrees Celsius) or signs of a fever (have chills, feel very warm, have a flushed appearance, or are sweating). This should be determined without the use of fever-reducing medications (any medicine that contains ibuprofen or acetaminophen).  Don’t go to work (or class if you are taking courses). 

• Talk with your health care providers about whether you should be vaccinated for seasonal and H1N1 flu.Also if you are at higher risk for flu complications from 2009 H1N1 flu, you should consider getting the H1N1 vaccine when it becomes available. People at higher risk for 2009 H1N1 flu complications include pregnant women and people with chronic medical conditions (such as asthma, heart disease or diabetes). For more information about priority groups for vaccination, visit www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/vaccination/acip.htm.

• Practice good health habits by:  eating nutritious foods, getting plenty of rest and exercise, reducing your stress by prioritizing your tasks, using yoga, meditation or other relaxation techniques, or consulting with a counselor if you have many stress related symptoms.

FAU Staff who plan to work, visit or vacation abroad are strongly urged to check the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website www.cdc.gov/travel for health information relevant to their travel.

We will notify you of any additional changes to FAU’s strategy to prevent the spread of flu on our campuses.

For further information please visit:

http://www.fau.edu/facilities/ehs/safety/H1N1.php

www.flu.gov

http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/qa.htm 

Or call:

CDC Hotline: 1-800-CDC-INFO (232-4636)

The Florida H1N1 Flu Hotline: 877-352-3581

Environmental Health & Safety: 561- 297-0028

Student Health Services: 561- 297-3516.