H1N1 (Swine Flu) Influenza Update
Novel H1N1 (a.k.a. "swine flu") is a new strain of influenza virus first detected in people in the United States in April 2009. As a new strain of influenza, traditional flu vaccines will not protect a person from this flu. Currently, there is no vaccine available to protect against novel H1N1 virus, though a novel H1N1 vaccine is currently in production and may be ready for the public later in the year.
This virus is spreading from person-to-person worldwide, probably in much the same way that regular seasonal influenza viruses spread, and cases have been reported in Charleston County. In June of 2009, the World Health Organization (WHO) indicated that a pandemic of novel H1N1 flu was underway.
The CDC recommends 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, especially after you cough or sneeze. Alcohol-based hand cleaners* are also effective.
- 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, 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. (Your fever should be gone without the use of a fever-reducing medicine.) Keep away from others as much as possible to keep from making others sick.
- Follow public health advice regarding school closures, avoiding crowds and other social distancing measures.
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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
Symptoms
The symptoms of novel 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.
If you develop symptoms, you are encouraged to seek medical treatment immediately. 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. (Your fever should be gone without the use of a fever-reducing medicine.) Stay away from others as much as possible to keep from making others sick. Staying at home means that you should not leave your home except to seek medical care. This means avoiding normal activities, including work, school, travel, shopping, social events, and public gatherings.
Additionally, you should bear in mind that the School of Law's attendance policy limits the number of absences that you may take. Students should be careful not to use absences in non-critical situations, so that the absences are available should health issues arise. However, regardless of the number of absences that you may have, you should not attend class if you are sick, nor should you return until at least 24 hours have elapsed since you have been fever-free. You should notify Dean Margaret Lawton (mlawton@charlestonlaw.edu, or 377-2423) at the School of Law to make her aware that you will be away from classes. Dean Lawton will attempt to work with students who are diagnosed with the flu, which necessitates missing classes.
For more information, visit the following websites:
http://www.redcross.org/pandemicflu
http://www.who.int/csr/disease/swineflu/updates/en/index.html