Guidance for UVA Residents
H1N1 "Swine Flu" Guidance for Students
In anticipation of flu related illnesses associated with the H1N1 virus among students
and visitors to Cal State San Marcos, and in anticipation of the regular flu season
this year, the University Office of Emergency Management has prepared the following
publication to help residents understand the current circumstances and educate you
on steps you can take to reduce your risk of infection.
The Office of Emergency Management and Student Health and Counseling Services are
in constant communication with University Village Apartments staff as we monitor the
developing situation. University Village Apartments is in full compliance with the
guidelines and advice set forth by the Centers for Disease Control and the San Diego
County Health Department. Should circumstances warrant a modification in the university's
response to protect our students and campus community, the Campus Pandemic Response
Team will mobilize to make any necessary adjustments to meet the evolving needs associated
with this developing situation.
What are the symptoms of the H1N1 flu?
According to the Centers for Disease Control website (http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/qa.htm): "The symptoms of novel H1N1 flu virus in people are similar to the symptoms of
seasonal flu and 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."
At present, many health care providers have suspended specific testing protocols for
the H1N1 virus and are diagnosing patients with the virus based on the patient's presentation
of symptoms alone.
What can you do to reduce your chances of becoming ill?
Since there is no vaccine available at this time for H1N1 flu virus, the CDC website
includes the following information about measures to take to avoid infection:
- 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. 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. Hand sanitizing stations are available in the lobby
of each residence hall.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs spread this way.
- Try to avoid close contact with sick people. A distance of 6 feet or more is recommended
at all times.
- DO NOT go to class or campus events if you are sick.
What should you do if you become ill?
According to the CDC, the H1N1 flu virus, has the same properties in terms of spread
as seasonal flu viruses. With seasonal flu, studies have shown that people may be
contagious from two days before they develop symptoms to up to 7 days after they get
sick." The following measures are suggested by the CDC:
- 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 be useful and help avoid the need to make trips out in public while you
are sick and contagious.
- Students who live in University Village Apartments and have flu related illnesses
should self-isolate (i.e., stay away from others) in their apartment for at least 24 hours after their fever is gone (their fever should be gone without the use of a fever-reducing medicine) except
to get medical care or for other necessities.
- If you are sick, limit your contact with other people 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.
- Get plenty of rest.
- Drink clear fluids (such as water, broth, sports drinks, electrolyte beverages) to
keep from being dehydrated.
- Wear a facemask - if available and tolerable - when sharing common spaces with others.
- Avoid close contact with others - do not go to work or school while ill
- If you experience any of the following symptoms, seek medical attention immediately:
- Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
- Pain or pressure in the chest or abdomen
- Sudden dizziness
- Confusion
- Severe persistent vomiting
- Flu-like symptoms improve but then return with fever and worse cough
- Students may choose to seek medical attention at the Student Health Center (https://www.csusm.edu/shcs/)
Are students required to leave campus if they become ill?
The university is strongly encouraging and student who is experiencing flu like symptoms,
particularly a fever and cough to leave campus. University Village Apartments does
not require students to leave housing if they develop flu related symptoms or illnesses.
Given that students are expected to self-isolate for at least 24 hours after their fever is gone (fever should be gone without the use of a fever-reducing medicine), many students
may find it more comfortable to return home if possible for that time period to continue
their recovery off campus. If a student chooses to leave campus or University Village
Apartments to recover at home, they are strongly discouraged from utilizing public
transportation to travel home. Whenever possible, students wishing to return home
to recover should travel by private vehicle.
What cleaning products should students use to sanitize their living space?
According to the CDC website: "To prevent the spread of influenza virus it is important
to keep surfaces (especially bedside tables, surfaces in the bathroom, kitchen counters)
clean by wiping them down with a household disinfectant according to directions on
the product label. 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." Additional cleaning circumstances to consider include the following:
- 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.
- Wash linens (such as bed sheets and towels) by using household laundry soap and tumble
dry on a hot setting. Avoid "hugging" dirty laundry prior to washing it to prevent
contaminating yourself. Clean your hands with soap and water or alcohol-based hand
rub right after handling dirty laundry.
- Eating utensils should be washed either in a dishwasher or by hand with water and
soap.
Academic Responsibilities
-
If I miss class due to my (possible) infection with HINI will I be excused from class?
Any documentation regarding missing class because of illness must be provided by the
student to the instructor in a timely manner. Instructors will make the decision regarding
whether an absence is excused based on the information provided. Ultimately, the authority
for deciding whether the documentation presented by the student justifies an excused
absence rests with the instructor. However, faculty are receiving guidance from the
university requesting that they be flexible with students missing classes with flu
like symptoms this fall.
- All students are expected to abide by each instructor's class attendance policy. Regardless
of whether an absence is excused or unexcused, the student is responsible for making
up all work that is missed
-
Even though university guidance tells me to stay home while I still have a fever?
Yes, while faculty may work with students to ensure that they are not unduly harmed
by their absences, it is important to understand that the University's absence policy
has not changed.
-
Can I drop a class if I get too far behind due to my absences?
If you feel you are in this situation please contact your academic dean's office as
soon as possible.
-
Can I wear a disposable mask in class?
If others are coughing and sneezing, a disposable mask in class is an option for you.
-
Can someone else report my illness if I am unable to?
It is your responsibility to report your illness.
-
Will this affect my ability to ask for a class drop or a medical withdrawal?
Most students who experience H1N1 have a moderate experience with flu like symptoms
and are able to return to classes 24 hours after fever is gone. We are encouraging
students to first try and make up any missed classes; we are alerting faculty to expect
a greater than average absence rate during the 8 week predicted surge of H1N1. Make
an appointment with a medical provider if your symptoms do not decrease in severity.
For a medical withdrawal you will need documented medical intervention.
-
What happens if my faculty member is too ill to teach?
Academic departments are in the planning phase of looking at a higher than average
absence rate. It may be that course work will be available online in order that both
faculty and students are accommodated during H1N1.