Novel H1N1 Influenza (Swine Flu): Information and Updates
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control has indicated there is a high probability that most of the nation's colleges and universities will be impacted in some way by the novel H1N1 influenza virus (formerly called swine flu) in the 2009-10 academic year.
The symptoms of H1N1 flu include fever, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, body aches, headache, chills, fatigue, and, sometimes, diarrhea and vomiting. The overwhelming majority of H1N1 patients experience mild symptoms and make a rapid and full recovery, often in the absence of any medical treatment, according to the World Health Organization. However, the spread of H1N1 continues to be rapid, causing the WHO declare a global pandemic and prompting U.S. officials to urge businesses and organizations, as well as colleges and universities, to prepare for a widespread outbreak in this country.
Because college populations are especially susceptible to contagious infectious diseases, due to dormitory-style living and close contact in classrooms, Lafayette had in place a targeted and layered strategy to respond in the case of a flu pandemic long before the emergence of the new H1N1 virus was first detected last spring.
This web site contains information and updates on H1N1 flu and the College's plans for keeping members of the campus community as healthy and safe as possible should an outbreak – small or large – of H1N1 occur at Lafayette. The College will continue to monitor the novel H1N1 virus, and plans to respond to H1N1 flu will remain flexible as new information becomes available and guidance from the CDC is amended.
What You Can Do to Stay Healthy
According to the CDC, influenza is spread from person to person mainly by coughing and sneezing. (People also may become infected by touching something – such as a surface or object – with flu viruses on it and then touching their mouth or nose.) To limit the spread of H1N1, the CDC recommends that those who have a flu-like illness stay away from other people as much as possible until at least 24 hours after they no longer have a fever or signs of a fever (without the use of fever-reducing medicines).
Everyday steps to protect your health:
- CDC cites washing your hands as an important way to keep from getting the flu. Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze. Alcohol-based hand-cleaners are also effective. When you wash your hands with soap and warm water, CDC recommends that you wash for 15 to 20 seconds. Thoroughly rinse hands under running water to ensure removal of residual germs, and use paper towels or an air dryer to dry hands (if possible, use a paper towel to turn off the faucet). When soap and water are not available, alcohol-based disposable hand wipes or gel sanitizers may be used (rub your hands until the gel is dry).
- Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth. Germs spread that way.
- Try to avoid close contact with sick people.
Message to campus from Dr. Jeffrey E. Goldstein, director of health services and College physician
Information and Updates from CDC, Pennsylvania Department of Health, and World Health Organization
H1N1 Flu: General Information (Centers for Disease Control)
Questions and Answers: H1N1 Flu and You (Centers for Disease Control)
H1N1 Flu in Pennsylvania (Pennsylvania Department of Health)
Global Alert and Response: H1N1 Flu (World Health Organization)
