H1N1 is a new influenza virus causing illness in people worldwide. This virus was first detected in people in the United States in April 2009. On June 11, 2009, the World Health Organization signaled that a pandemic of 2009 H1N1 flu was underway. Fortunately, to date almost all people who have become ill with this new virus have recovered.

Delta College will regularly monitor the information released by the U.S. Dept. of Health & Human Services, Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and will be in contact with the Great Lakes Bay Regional county health departments should an outbreak develop in our area. It is important to educate yourself, your family, and your friends about this flu and to be diligent about preventing the spread of the flu. The following is based on information provided by the CDC:

What are the symptoms that indicate you might have the flu?

A fever of 100.4 or greater is the key factor; other symptoms include a cough or sore throat, runny nose, body aches, headaches, chills, fatigue, and sometimes vomiting or diarrhea.

What should you do if you have these symptoms?

Please limit interactions with people and do not go to work, school, shopping or other places external to your home. The CDC recommends that you stay home for at least 24 hours after your fever is gone (except to get medical care or for other necessities).

What should you do if you need to miss Delta College classes due to a flu illness?

You should always contact each of your teachers if you must miss class for any reason to obtain assignments so you may continue working on course obligations even though your illness prevents you from attending the class

What can be done to help prevent getting or spreading the flu?

• Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze then immediately throw away the tissue. If you do not have a tissue, turn your head and sneeze into your shoulder or the inside of your elbow. Do NOT sneeze or cough into your hands.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth as germs spread this way.
• Wash your hands often with soap and warm water for 15 to 20 seconds especially after you sneeze or use a tissue. Alcohol (60-95%) based wipes or hand gel cleaners or sanitizers are also effective.
• Avoid contact with sick people.

How long can the influenza virus remain viable on objects (doorknobs, books, table surfaces, phones, toys, remote control, keyboards, etc.)?

Studies have shown that the influenza virus can survive on environmental surfaces and can infect a person for 2 to 8 hours after being deposited on the surface.

Does the normal “seasonal” flu vaccine also protect from the H1N1 virus?

No. The seasonal flu vaccine and the H1N1 vaccine are separate. Currently the seasonal flu vaccine is available via several venues including doctor’s offices, pharmacies, health clinics, and other one day special locations that often are advertised in the media. The H1N1 vaccine is now only available via our local public health departments and only given to those in high risk/ key categories.

What are the H1N1 vaccination key categories?

The CDC has identified the following key populations to first receive the vaccination:

• Pregnant women
• People who live with or provide care for children younger than 6 months of age
• Health care and emergency medical services personnel
• People between 6 months through 24 years of age
• People between the ages of 24 through 64 who are at higher risk because of chronic health disorders such as asthma, diabetes, or a weakened immune system

Once the demand for these groups is met the next group to be vaccinated includes everyone from the ages of 24 through 64. Unlike the seasonal flu, people 65 or older appear to be less at risk of infection with the H1N1 virus than younger people.

Will Delta College cancel classes or other activities if students get sick with the flu?

Because we expect the severity of the H1N1 flu to be similar to that of the usual “seasonal” flu, Delta College will likely continue classes and other events. However should there be an unexpected high number of cases in our region, Delta College will be in communication with local public health departments about the best course of action. All decisions about closing the College or canceling classes (including weather , utility problems, health issues)will be announced on the Delta College web site, Delta College Broadcasting (television and radio station 90.1 FM) and the local media.

What are some good web resources for flu information?

U. S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention www.cdc.gov
Infectious Diseases Society of America www.idsociety.org
National Foundation for Infectious Diseases www.nfid.org
American Academy of Family Physicians www.aafp.org