H1N1 (Swine) Flu Info
What is H1N1 (Swine) Flu?
2009 H1N1 ("Swine Flu") is a new influenza virus causing illness in people. This new virus was first detected in people in the United States in April 2009. This virus is spreading from person-to-person worldwide, probably in much the same way that regular seasonal influenza viruses spread. On June 11, 2009, the World Health Organization (WHO) signaled that a pandemic of 2009 H1N1 flu was underway.
Is 2009 H1N1 virus contagious?
The Center for Disease Control (CDC) has determined that 2009 H1N1 virus is contagious and is spreading from human to human.
How does 2009 H1N1 virus spread?
Spread of 2009 H1N1 virus is thought to occur in the same way that seasonal flu spreads. Flu viruses are spread mainly from person to person through coughing or sneezing by people with influenza. Sometimes people may become infected by touching something – such as a surface or object – with flu viruses on it and then touching their mouth or nose.
What are the signs and symptoms of this virus in people?
The symptoms of 2009 H1N1 flu virus in people include fever, 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. Severe illnesses and death has occurred as a result of illness associated with this virus.
Avoiding H1N1
A 2009 H1N1 vaccine is available for the public. (As always, a vaccine ia available to protect against seasonal influenza.) There are everyday actions that can help prevent the spread of germs that cause respiratory illnesses like influenza.
Take these everyday steps to protect your health:
-- Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it.
-- Wash your hands often with soap and water. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand rub.
-- Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs spread this way.
-- Try to avoid close contact with sick people.
-- If you are sick with flu-like illness, stay home for at least 24 hours after your fever is gone.
Other important actions you should take:
-- Follow public health advice regarding school closures, avoiding crowds and other social distancing measures.
-- Be prepared in case you get sick and need to stay home for a week or so; a supply of over-the-counter medicines, alcohol-based hand rubs, tissues and other related items might could be useful and help avoid the need to make trips out in public while you are sick and contagious.
Pandemic Plan
Considerable press has been given to the potential for an imminent influenza epidemic or pandemic worldwide along the lines of the flu epidemic of 1918, which was so pervasive and damaging that it killed millions and caused a temporary cessation of hostilities during World War I. The current concern centers around the possible cross-species mutation of a swine flu virus into a virus that affects humans. This virus, termed the H1N1 flu virus, could create high illness rates over the course of many possible waves of outbreaks, particularly in high-transmission-rate populations such as in schools and colleges. Such a high potential impact has driven a need for planning on the part of public agencies, and a careful assessment of the risks and impacts has resulted in a comprehensive "Pandemic Plan."
This plan by Pine Technical College represents the institution's response to this need for prior thought and deliberation to position the College to cope with varying effects on its operations or clientele should a pandemic or epidemic occur.
Swine Flu and MnSCU
Many campuses within the MnSCU system have seen a rise in cases of H1N1 flu. Therefore, Pine Technical College invites students, staff and faculty members to visit the MnSCU system's public pandemic web site: http://www.chancellor.mnscu.edu/employee/pandemic/index.html to stay up-to-date regarding the Swine Flu and its impact on the MnSCU system.
Resources
The Minnesota Department of Health "Flu Hotline" is staffed with nurses who are able to answer your flu-related questions: 1-866-259-4655.
For health care related assistance, visit the Minnesota Responds Medical Reserve Corps, www.mnresponds.org/index.php.
