H1N1 Flu Update (As of December 1, 2009)
Report Cases of (ILI) Influenza Like Illness Here
CSUSM H1N1 Flu Vaccine Clinics
CSUSM Health Services has received a limited shipment of H1N1 Flu Vaccine. We will be distributing the vaccine at various locations on campus. At the present time, the vaccine will be available to students, faculty, and staff members who are members of the following CDC target groups:
Students, faculty, and staff members will be REQUIRED to show a current campus ID card in order to receive the vaccine. There is no charge to receive the vaccine.
The clinic dates and locations are:
Wednesday December 2nd Clarke 113 1-4pm
Friday December 4th UVA 9-12
Monday December 7th Com 206 9-12
Tuesday December 8th UVA 1-4
Wednesday December 9th Clarke 113 1-4
Tuesday December 15th Com 206 9-12
H1N1 Flu Pandemic Declared
The World Health Organization (WHO) has raised the pandemic threat level of the H1N1 flu virus to Phase 6, reflecting the spread of the virus around the world. The decision to raise the level means that the flu virus spreads easily from one person to another and that it is now found in many countries, but it does not mean an increase in the flu's severity. CSU campuses have been and are continuing to monitor the situation. To help avoid a significant outbreak, public health officials advise the following:
At this time, the University is not planning to cancel any events. This is subject to change. Event organizers and participants should closely monitor this website for updated information.
California State University San Marcos has a pandemic influenza plan in place, and in
coordination with Student Health and Counseling Services, and the Department of Emergency
Management, the campus is closely monitoring the developments regarding H1N1 Flu.
HOW DO I KNOW IF I HAVE THE H1N1 FLU?
The CDC recommends that patients with influenza like illnesses (ILI) which is defined
as temperature higher than 100ºF orally plus other symptoms such as:
If you are suffering from these symptoms, stay home. Students should call Student Health & Counseling Services at (760) 750-4915 for an evaluation and instructions on how to care for yourself and reduce spreading the infection to others. Faculty and staff should contact their healthcare provider.
WHAT CAN YOU DO TO STAY HEALTHY?
*** GET VACCINATED! *** More vaccination information.
The CDC recommends that patients with influenza like illnesses (ILI) which is defined
as temperature higher than 100ºF, and cough and/or sore throat:
The San Diego Health Department and the CDC strongly encourage patients presenting with influenza-like illness (ILI) to stay home from work or school and limit contact with others if they are symptomatic, except to receive treatment for severe illness or to address life threatening emergencies.
Strongly Recommend Home Isolation of Cases:
Regarding Household Contacts:
Household contacts who are well should:
We recommend that the campus community follow the above recommendations at this time. Updates will be provided as needed. Resources on H1N1 Flu (H1N1):
Handouts for CSUSM Students and Community (PDF):
What is 2009 H1N1 (swine flu)?
2009 H1N1 (referred to as "swine flu" early on) 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.
Why is 2009 H1N1 virus sometimes called "swine flu"?
This virus was originally referred to as "swine flu" because laboratory testing showed
that many of the genes in this new virus were very similar to influenza viruses that
normally occur in pigs (swine) in North America. But further study has shown that
this new virus is very different from what normally circulates in North American pigs.
It has two genes from flu viruses that normally circulate in pigs in Europe and Asia
and bird (avian) genes and human genes. Scientists call this a "quadruple reassortant"
virus.
Are there human infections with 2009 H1N1 virus in the U.S.?
Yes. Human infections with the new H1N1 virus are ongoing in the United States.
Most people who have become ill with this new virus have recovered without requiring
medical treatment.
CDC routinely works with states to collect, compile and analyze information about
influenza, and has done the same for the new H1N1 virus since the beginning of the
outbreak. This information is presented in a weekly report, called FluView.
Is 2009 H1N1 virus contagious?
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.
How severe is illness associated with 2009 H1N1 flu virus?
Illness with the new H1N1 virus has ranged from mild to severe. While most people
who have been sick have recovered without needing medical treatment, hospitalizations
and deaths from infection with this virus have occurred.
In seasonal flu, certain people are at "high risk" of serious complications. This includes people 65 years and older, children younger than five years old, pregnant women, and people of any age with certain chronic medical conditions. About 70 percent of people who have been hospitalized with this 2009 H1N1 virus have had one or more medical conditions previously recognized as placing people at "high risk" of serious seasonal flu-related complications. This includes pregnancy, diabetes, heart disease, asthma and kidney disease.
One thing that appears to be different from seasonal influenza is that adults older than 64 years do not yet appear to be at increased risk of 2009 H1N1-related complications thus far. CDC laboratory studies have shown that no children and very few adults younger than 60 years old have existing antibody to 2009 H1N1 flu virus; however, about one-third of adults older than 60 may have antibodies against this virus. It is unknown how much, if any, protection may be afforded against 2009 H1N1 flu by any existing antibody.
How does 2009 H1N1 flu compare to seasonal flu in terms of its severity and infection
rates?
With seasonal flu, we know that seasons vary in terms of timing, duration and severity.
Seasonal influenza can cause mild to severe illness, and at times can lead to death.
Each year, in the United States, on average 36,000 people die from flu-related complications
and more than 200,000 people are hospitalized from flu-related causes. Of those hospitalized,
20,000 are children younger than 5 years old. Over 90% of deaths and about 60 percent
of hospitalization occur in people older than 65.
When the 2009 H1N1 outbreak was first detected in mid-April 2009, CDC began working with states to collect, compile and analyze information regarding the 2009 H1N1 flu outbreak, including the numbers of confirmed and probable cases and the ages of these people. The information analyzed by CDC supports the conclusion that 2009 H1N1 flu has caused greater disease burden in people younger than 25 years of age than older people. At this time, there are few cases and few deaths reported in people older than 64 years old, which is unusual when compared with seasonal flu. However, pregnancy and other previously recognized high risk medical conditions from seasonal influenza appear to be associated with increased risk of complications from this 2009 H1N1. These underlying conditions include asthma, diabetes, suppressed immune systems, heart disease, kidney disease, neurocognitive and neuromuscular disorders and pregnancy.
How long can an infected person spread this virus to others?
People infected with seasonal and 2009 H1N1 flu shed virus and may be able to infect
others from 1 day before getting sick to 5 to 7 days after. This can be longer in
some people, especially children and people with weakened immune systems and in people
infected with the new H1N1 virus.
What can I do to protect myself from getting sick?
There is no vaccine available right now to protect against 2009 H1N1 virus. However,
a 2009 H1N1 vaccine is currently in production and may be ready for the public in
the fall. As always, a vaccine will be 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:
Other important actions that you can take are:
What is the best way to keep from spreading the virus through coughing or sneezing?
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. Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue
when coughing or sneezing. Put your used tissue in the waste basket. Then, clean your
hands, and do so every time you cough or sneeze.
If I have a family member at home who is sick with 2009 H1N1 flu, should I go to work?
Employees who are well but who have an ill family member at home with 2009 H1N1 flu
can go to work as usual. These employees should monitor their health every day, and
take everyday precautions including washing their hands often with soap and water,
especially after they cough or sneeze. Alcohol-based hand cleaners are also effective.*
If they become ill, they should notify their supervisor and stay home. Employees who
have an underlying medical condition or who are pregnant should call their health
care provider for advice, because they might need to receive influenza antiviral drugs
to prevent illness. For more information please see General Business and Workplace Guidance for the Prevention of Novel Influenza A (H1N1)
Flu in Workers.
What is the best technique for washing my hands to avoid getting the flu?
Washing your hands often will help protect you from germs. Wash with soap and water
or clean with alcohol-based hand cleaner*. CDC recommends that when you wash your hands -- with soap and warm water -- that
you wash for 15 to 20 seconds. When soap and water are not available, alcohol-based
disposable hand wipes or gel sanitizers may be used. You can find them in most supermarkets
and drugstores. If using gel, rub your hands until the gel is dry. The gel doesn't
need water to work; the alcohol in it kills the germs on your hands.
What should I do if I get sick?
If you live in areas where people have been identified with 2009 H1N1 flu and become
ill with influenza-like symptoms, including fever, body aches, runny or stuffy nose,
sore throat, nausea, or vomiting or diarrhea, you should stay home and avoid contact
with other people. 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.
If you have severe illness or you are at high risk for flu complications, contact your health care provider or seek medical care. Your health care provider will determine whether flu testing or treatment is needed.
If you become ill and experience any of the following warning signs, seek emergency medical care.
In children, emergency warning signs that need urgent medical attention include:
In adults, emergency warning signs that need urgent medical attention include:
Are there medicines to treat 2009 H1N1 infection?
Yes. CDC recommends the use of oseltamivir or zanamivir for the treatment and/or
prevention of infection with 2009 H1N1 flu virus. Antiviral drugs are prescription
medicines (pills, liquid or an inhaled powder) that fight against the flu by keeping
flu viruses from reproducing in your body. If you get sick, antiviral drugs can make
your illness milder and make you feel better faster. They may also prevent serious
flu complications. During the current pandemic, the priority use for influenza antiviral drugs is to treat severe influenza illness (for example hospitalized patients) and people
who are sick who have a condition that places them at high risk for serious flu-related
complications.
What is CDC's recommendation regarding "swine flu parties"?
"Swine flu parties" are gatherings during which people have close contact with a
person who has 2009 H1N1 flu in order to become infected with the virus. The intent
of these parties is for a person to become infected with what for many people has
been a mild disease, in the hope of having natural immunity 2009 H1N1 flu virus that
might circulate later and cause more severe disease.
CDC does not recommend "swine flu parties" as a way to protect against 2009 H1N1 flu in the future. While the disease seen in the current 2009 H1N1 flu outbreak has been mild for many people, it has been severe and even fatal for others. There is no way to predict with certainty what the outcome will be for an individual or, equally important, for others to whom the intentionally infected person may spread the virus.
CDC recommends that people with 2009 H1N1 flu avoid contact with others as much as possible. 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.) Stay away from others as much as possible to keep from making others sick.
How long can influenza virus remain viable on objects (such as books and doorknobs)?
Studies have shown that influenza virus can survive on environmental surfaces and
can infect a person for 2 to 8 hours after being deposited on the surface.
What kills influenza virus?
Influenza virus is destroyed by heat (167-212°F [75-100°C]). In addition, several
chemical germicides, including chlorine, hydrogen peroxide, detergents (soap), iodophors
(iodine-based antiseptics), and alcohols are effective against human influenza viruses
if used in proper concentration for a sufficient length of time. For example, wipes
or gels with alcohol in them can be used to clean hands. The gels should be rubbed
into hands until they are dry.
*What if soap and water are not available and alcohol-based products are not allowed
in my facility? Updated on Sept 14
If soap and water are not available and alcohol-based products are not allowed, other
hand sanitizers that do not contain alcohol may be useful.
What surfaces are most likely to be sources of contamination?
Germs can be spread when a person touches something that is contaminated with germs
and then touches his or her eyes, nose, or mouth. Droplets from a cough or sneeze
of an infected person move through the air. Germs can be spread when a person touches
respiratory droplets from another person on a surface like a desk, for example, and
then touches their own eyes, mouth or nose before washing their hands.
How should waste disposal be handled to prevent the spread of influenza virus?
To prevent the spread of influenza virus, it is recommended that tissues and other
disposable items used by an infected person be thrown in the trash. Additionally,
persons should wash their hands with soap and water after touching used tissues and
similar waste.
What household cleaning should be done to prevent the spread of influenza virus?
To prevent the spread of influenza virus it is important to keep surfaces (especially
bedside tables, surfaces in the bathroom, kitchen counters and toys for children)
clean by wiping them down with a household disinfectant according to directions on
the product label.
How should linens, eating utensils and dishes of persons infected with influenza virus
be handled?
Linens, eating utensils, and dishes belonging to those who are sick do not need to
be cleaned separately, but importantly these items should not be shared without washing
thoroughly first.
Linens (such as bed sheets and towels) should be washed by using household laundry
soap and tumbled dry on a hot setting. Individuals should avoid "hugging" laundry
prior to washing it to prevent contaminating themselves. Individuals should wash their
hands with soap and water or alcohol-based hand rub immediately after handling dirty
laundry.
Eating utensils should be washed either in a dishwasher or by hand with water and soap.
Can I get infected with 2009 H1N1 virus from eating or preparing pork?
No. 2009 H1N1 viruses are not spread by food. You cannot get infected with novel
HIN1 virus from eating pork or pork products. Eating properly handled and cooked pork
products is safe.
Is there a risk from drinking water?
Tap water that has been treated by conventional disinfection processes does not likely
pose a risk for transmission of influenza viruses. Current drinking water treatment
regulations provide a high degree of protection from viruses. No research has been
completed on the susceptibility of 2009 H1N1 flu virus to conventional drinking water
treatment processes. However, recent studies have demonstrated that free chlorine
levels typically used in drinking water treatment are adequate to inactivate highly
pathogenic H5N1 avian influenza. It is likely that other influenza viruses such as
2009 H1N1 would also be similarly inactivated by chlorination. To date, there have
been no documented human cases of influenza caused by exposure to influenza-contaminated
drinking water.
Can 2009 H1N1 flu virus be spread through water in swimming pools, spas, water parks,
interactive fountains, and other treated recreational water venues?
Influenza viruses infect the human upper respiratory tract. There has never been
a documented case of influenza virus infection associated with water exposure. Recreational
water that has been treated at CDC recommended disinfectant levels does not likely
pose a risk for transmission of influenza viruses. No research has been completed
on the susceptibility of 2009 H1N1 influenza virus to chlorine and other disinfectants
used in swimming pools, spas, water parks, interactive fountains, and other treated
recreational venues. However, recent studies have demonstrated that free chlorine
levels recommended by CDC (1-3 parts per million [ppm or mg/L] for pools and 2-5 ppm
for spas) are adequate to disinfect avian influenza A (H5N1) virus. It is likely that
other influenza viruses such as 2009 H1N1 virus would also be similarly disinfected
by chlorine.
Can 2009 H1N1 influenza virus be spread at recreational water venues outside of the water?
Yes, recreational water venues are no different than any other group setting. The spread of this 2009 H1N1 flu is thought to be happening in the same way that seasonal flu spreads. Flu viruses are spread mainly from person to person through coughing or sneezing of people with influenza. Sometimes people may become infected by touching something with flu viruses on it and then touching their mouth or nose.
Note: Much of the information in this document is based on studies and past experience with seasonal (human) influenza. CDC believes the information applies to 2009 H1N1 (swine) viruses as well, but studies on this virus are ongoing to learn more about its characteristics. This document will be updated as new information becomes available.
For general information about influenza in pigs (not 2009 H1N1 flu) see Background Information on Influenza in Pigs.