Between the extremes of panic and complacency lies the solid ground of vigilance. Margaret Chen Director General of WHO

H1N1 FACTS:  Symptoms of novel H1N1 flu virus are similar to seasonal influenza.  Impact of H1N1 is considered to be slightly worse than the seasonal influenza virus.  Currently, H1N1 is the predominant circulating influenza virus worldwide.  Sindecuse confirmed 7 cases of H1N1 from 5/09 – 7/09.  Sindecuse diagnosed 23 cases of influenza-like illness from 8/1 – 9/10, 14 cases 9/14 – 9/15/09.

High Risk Conditions Pregnant Women Chronic health conditions: heart, lung, liver, nervous system, blood disorders, immune system disorders, diabetes Teens receiving aspirin therapy Children younger than 5 People 65 yrs. or older appear to be at lower risk for becoming ill with H1N1. If they become ill, they are at increased risk for severe illness.

CDC Recommendations for upcoming influenza season Seek medical care: If you have high risk conditions or serious illness. Individuals with mild illness and no risk factors may not need to seek medical care. Testing: Routine confirmation of H1N1 through the state lab is no longer advised. Return to usual activity: 24 hrs after no longer having a fever (100 degrees), or signs of a fever, without using fever-reducing medication.

Self-isolation is a critical strategy Four Reasons: – Timing of Vaccine Availability may be problematic – Widespread H1N1 infection may overwhelm hospitals and medical systems – Widespread H1N1 infection may overwhelm schools and businesses – Protecting high risk groups from complications and death

Vaccination: One of the best Protections  WMU will receive an allotment of vaccine  One dose provides immunity  Vaccines at no cost, small charge for administering vaccine  Current CDC Vaccination Priority: Pregnant Women Household contacts/caregivers for children < 6 months of age Healthcare and emergency medical services personnel All people 6 months to 24 years of age Persons aged 25 – 64 years who have health conditions associated with higher risk of medical complications from influenza

Infection Control in the Workplace Wash hands often with soap and water or use alcohol-based hand sanitizers. Avoid shaking hands or making close personal contact Cover coughs and sneezes. Routinely clean commonly-touched hard surfaces with usual cleaning agents. Facemask/respirator generally not recommended for workers in non-healthcare occupational settings.

Classroom Guidance:  Students: If possible, return to your family home using non-public transportation if you have flu-like illness. Alert roommates and suitemates as well as your hall director if you live in a residence hall. Contact your instructors if you will miss class because of influenza. A doctors note will not be required for flu-like illness.

Classroom Guidance:  Faculty: May ask sick students to leave the classroom. Discuss your attendance policy with your students. Review how students should contact you and how you will be contacting them if ill. Exercise flexibility in making up work and explain how students can make up work.

Pandemic Planning Since 2006 as advised by the CDC, WMU has been planning for a severe pandemic with the potential for a closure. Draft Alert Levels, Triggers for implementation, and FAQ’s on the Pandemic Website