H1N1 (Swine) Flu:

Recommendations for Students

FAU students 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 know you will be concerned if you miss classes due to this illness.  All FAU faculty are being encouraged to be flexible with their attendance and make-up polices for students experiencing influenza.  Please check with your professors and/or your academic advisor should you need assistance in regard to your absences.

Students who plan to participate in a study abroad program may check the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website www.cdc.gov/travel for health information relevant to their travel.

For now, we are doing everything we can to keep our institution operating as usual. Here are a few things you 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 desks, 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 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 class or work. 

• 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.

The best way to prevent the spread of flu is by vaccination.  The seasonal influenza vaccine will be offered to eligible students early in the fall semester, and the vaccine against H1N1 influenza is expected to be available later in the term. 

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

FAU Environmental Health & Safety: 561-297-0028

Student Health Services: 561-297-3516.