COKER COLLEGE: H1N1

Information
Novel influenza A (H1N1) is a new flu virus of swine origin that first caused illness in Mexico and the United States in March and April of 2009. It’s thought that novel influenza A (H1N1) flu spreads in the same way that regular seasonal influenza viruses spread, mainly through the coughs and sneezes of people who are sick with the virus, but it may also be spread by touching infected objects and then touching your nose or mouth. [source: CDC]

The H1N1 virus is spread from person-to-person. To prevent spread, people who are ill should cover their mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing, stay home when they are unwell, clean their hands regularly, and keep some distance from healthy people, as much as possible. There are no known instances of people getting infected by exposure to pigs or other animals. [source: World Health Organziation]

SYMPTOMS: Novel H1N1 infection has been reported to cause a wide range of flu-like symptoms, including fever, cough, sore throat, body aches, headache, chills and fatigue. In addition, many people also have reported nausea, vomiting and/or diarrhea.
[source: CDC]

>> CLICK HERE: Coker College Guidelines for H1N1 Virus (updated 8.24.09)

The following suggestions are in accordance with the Center for Disease Control for Institutions of Higher Education and is based the interim guidelines designed to reduce the spread of the novel influenza A (H1N1) virus in our campus community.

1. At this time, CDC does not currently recommend that institutions cancel their classes or other large gatherings.

2. If confirmed cases of H1N1 virus infection or a large number of cases of influenza-like illness [i.e. fever with either cough or sore throat] occurs among students, faculty, or staff in the community, Coker College officials will consult with state and local health officials regarding an appropriate response.

3. Students, faculty, and staff who live on or off campus and who have influenza-like symptoms, should self-isolate (i.e. stay away from others) in their room or home for at least 24 hours after their fever is gone except to get medical care of other necessities. (Note: fever should be gone without the use of fever reducing medicine). They should keep away from others as much as possible.

4. Those who live on campus and develop influenza-like illness should contact Student Services at x8035 and/or e-mail flu@coker.edu and, if possible, go home to isolate themselves for the duration of the illness. Those who live off campus should contact their local health provider.

5. Coker will communicate to all faculty, staff, and students what they should do if they become ill with influenza-like illness, including calling Health Services or their Health Care Provider. Additionally, Coker College will seek to deliver various educational messages through a variety of formats regarding the illness and how to reduce the spread of influenza.

6. If persons with influenza-like illness must leave their home or residence hall room, they should cover their nose and mouth when coughing or sneezing - or cough into their arm. A surgical loose fitting mask can be helpful for persons who have access to these, but a tissue or other covering is appropriate as well.

7. Roommates, household members, or those caring for an ill person should follow the guidelines developed for caring for sick persons at home by the CDC.

8. Persons who are at high risk for complications from H1N1 infection should consider the risk of exposure if they attend public gatherings in communities where H1N1 virus is circulating and stay away.

H1N1 ~ Know More