H1N1 Influenza update

Posted by University News Service
September 9, 2009

H1N1 Influenza Situation Update:

Many universities across the country, including Texas State, are reporting an increase of influenza-like illness in the first few weeks of classes.  Many of these cases have been confirmed as H1N1 Influenza.  While an outbreak of flu-like illness was discovered at the start of the fall semester in one of the sororities at Texas State, the majority of cases have been isolated cases.  It is anticipated that the number of flu cases will increase as the semester progresses.  The Student Health Center reported 37 cases of flu-like illness during the week of August 31 to September 4, 2009.  This compares with 24 cases of flu-like illness the previous week.  The Student Health Center continues to work with county and state health departments to monitor for H1N1 Influenza and to assist with response measures.  Texas State has a pandemic flu plan and will follow Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommendations.

Classes & Activities:

Classes and activities will proceed as planned this semester. Should any changes to classes or activities be deemed necessary, the information will be communicated to students, faculty and staff via e-mail, the university webpage, or other appropriate means. The university webpage will be the primary site for communicating updates about the H1N1 Influenza situation.

Influenza Illness Recommendations:

Persons who develop a flu-like illness should stay home and avoid contact with others until fever-free for at least 24 hours without the use of fever reducing medication. Persons who are at higher risk for complications from influenza, including pregnant women and those with chronic medical conditions such as asthma, diabetes, heart disease and suppressed immune systems, should seek medical attention if they develop a flu-like illness. Students may contact the Student Health Center at 245-2167 for self-care advice or an appointment.

Students living on campus who develop an influenza-like-illness (ILI) will be asked to go home if they live within a few hours’ drive and should not return until fever-free for at least 24 hours.  Private transportation should be used by those travelling home—not public transportation.  Parents will be asked to pick up their ill student.  Sick students are more likely to have a better recovery in the comfort of their home, with the support of family members, and with access to family doctors and nearby hospitals should their condition worsen.  Arrangements will be made for international, out-of-state, and other students living in residence halls that cannot go home to self-isolate on campus.  Every case will be dealt with on an individual basis and decisions will be made with the student’s best interest and safety in mind.

Influenza Symptoms:

  • Fever > 100° F
  • Cough
  • Sore throat
  • Body aches
  • Diarrhea/Vomiting
  • Headache
  • Sinus congestion/runny nose

Influenza-like-illness (ILI) diagnostic criteria include fever > 100º F and either cough or sore throat.

Preventing the Spread of Influenza:

  • Persons who develop a flu-like illness should stay home until fever-free for 24 hours.
  • Persons who become ill should avoid contact with other people as much as possible.
  • Cover your mouth and nose with tissue or your arm sleeve when coughing or sneezing. Use the tissue only once then discard.
  • Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially before touching your eyes, nose or mouth.
  • Get vaccinated for seasonal influenza.
  • Get vaccinated for H1N1 Influenza when the vaccine is available.

H1N1 Influenza Online Resources:

  • Texas Department of State Health Services website:  http://www.dshs.state.tx.us/swineflu/default.shtm
  • CDC website: http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/general_info.htm
  • U.S. Department of Health and Human Services website:  http://www.flu.gov/.