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:
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:
The resident staff members University Village Apartments can all be of assistance to those who fall ill while on campus. They can assist you with arranging delivery of meals, contacting professors about extended absences from class, and helping to connect you with campus and community services and resources while students are recovering from flu related symptoms and illnesses.
For residents living in University Village Apartments who need additional assistance recovering from the flu, contact the staff at the Main Office during regular office hours or the resident manager after hours.
What should students do if their roommate/suitemate/apartment mate/family member(s)
becomes ill?
According to the CDC website, "Roommates/suitemates/apartment mates/family members
who are well but who have an ill roommate/suitemate/apartment mate/family member at
home with H1N1 flu can go about their daily business as usual. These otherwise well
individuals 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." It is also strongly suggested that
otherwise well individuals remain at least 6 feet away from the sick roommate/suitemate/apartment
mate at all times.
Does University Village Apartments quarantine ill students in a particular area on campus?
Quarantining sick individuals is not a recommended response to this outbreak situation.
University Village Apartments residents with flu related illnesses are being advised
to self-isolate in their rooms or apartments for at least 24 hours after their fever is gone (fever should be gone without the use of a fever-reducing medicine) except to get
medical care or for other necessities. Self-isolation means limiting movement to the
student's immediate living quarters and bathroom or apartment area unless venturing
out of the hall/apartment to seek medical care.
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:
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