H1N1 VIRUS (SWINE FLU) & R-CCC STUDENTS
So far there has been only one confirmed case of H1N1 on the campus of R-CCC.
| Cases |
When/Where |
Results |
Comments |
One-suspected
(1 Instructor) |
10.28.09
Young Building |
Classroom has been disinfected. Students and employees isolated themselves from the Instructor. Instructor visited the doctor, doctor confirmed that Instructor did not have H1N1 but a repertory infection. Doctor gave Instructor antibiotics. |
Case is old. Threat level is low. Doctor gave Instructor antibiotics. No other employee or student reported ill. |
One- Suspected (1 student) |
9.29.09
New Student Center |
Classroom has been disinfected. Student has been isolated from others in classroom. Student is out to receive more information from the Doctor. |
Case is old. One person who was in close contact has reported ill. It is confirmed that both students do not have H1N1. |
One- Suspected (1 student) |
9.21.09
New Student Center |
Disinfected classroom area. Student had Flu Symptoms and was Quarantined for 3 days. Student has been to the Doctor and results confirmed that they did not have H1N1. Student returned on campus 9.30.09 |
Case is old, threat level low. No other student in class reported illness. |
One- Confirmed (Off campus visitor) |
9.9.09
Jernigan Building |
Disinfected class room area. No additional cases reported among students and faculty that were in close contact. |
Case is old, threat level low. People who were in contact have not reported ill. |
One- Suspected (1 student) |
8.24.09
Jernigan Building |
Disinfected classroom area. No additional cases reported among students and faculty within close contact. |
Case is old, threat level is low. No other students in class reported illness. |
NEW GUIDANCE
Students and employees experiencing flu-like symptoms with a fever of 100 degrees or higher should isolate themselves from others, except to seek medical attention, until their temperature has remained below 100 degrees for at least 24 hours without the use of fever-reducing medications -- unless they can present a note from a medical provider indicating their symptoms are due to causes other than the H1N1 virus.
While monitoring this virus for the past several months, it has been determined by the Centers for Disease Control that people who become ill with the H1N1 virus generally experience fever (temperature of 100 degrees or higher) for 2-4 days, which means students and employees can expect to remain away from campus for 3-5 days after the onset of symptoms (more severe symptoms may require a longer recovery period).
The CDC recommends that those experiencing flu-like symptoms should seek medical advice if symptoms are severe, they are pregnant, they have young children or if they or other household members have underlying health conditions.
TAKING RESPONSIBILITY
To keep from infecting others, it is important that students and employees be responsible and self isolate if they become sick. However, if students or employees neglect to self isolate and they exhibit flu-like symptoms while on campus they may be required to leave.
What You Can Do To Stay Healthy & Reduce the Spread of the Virus
- Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze. Alcohol-based hands cleaners are also effective;
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs spread that way;
- Use a tissue when you cough or sneeze, dispose of the tissue after one use and wash your hands (if you do not have a tissue, cough/sneeze into the upper sleeve of your shirt);
- Avoid close contact with others who are sick (i.e., within 6 feet);
- Eat healthy, exercise regularly and get adequate rest to support a healthy immune system;
- Stay home if you get sick and limit contact with others to keep from infecting them, except to seek medical attention;
- Seek immediate medical advice for pregnant women, young children or those who have underlying health conditions, since they are at greater risk for complications; and,
- Immediately notify your instructors if you are experiencing/exhibiting flu-like symptoms or if you are diagnosed with H1N1.
What are the Symptoms of the H1N1 Virus (Swine Flu?)
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the symptoms are very similar to the “regular” flu.
- Fever
- Headache
- Chills
- Body Aches
- Upper respiratory tract symptoms (cough, sore throat, runny nose)
- Unusual Fatigue
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
The CDC reports that illnesses among persons infected with H1N1 flu virus have mostly been treated at home, but some cases have been hospitalized and deaths have been reported. Like the seasonal flu, swine flu may cause a worsening of underlying chronic medical conditions. It is anticipated that many more cases, including cases that require hospitalizations and some that result in death, will occur. Most people will not have immunity to this new virus and, as it continues to spread, more cases are expected in the coming days and weeks.
|
