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Response
November 20, 2009: UWSP Update -
Novel Influenza A
(H1N1)
Pandemic.
We had approximately 270 UWSP employees receive
their seasonal influenza vaccination during the two (October and
November) clinics.
Portage County Health Department is continuing
H1N1 flu vaccinations for high risk groups. Please see
http://www.co.portage.wi.us/H1N1%20Flu/H1N1%20Clinic%20Poster_week%20of_11162009.pdf
for details.
It is unknown
when the H1N1 vaccine will be available to UWSP for an on-site employee
clinic (likely many weeks). Therefore we encourage anyone interested to
attempt to receive their vaccination via Portage County Health
Department as soon as they are eligible.
Once the initial high risk groups have opportunity for vaccination
Portage County Health should open up the H1N1 clinics to other groups.
Please stay informed through Portage Counties Website at
http://www.co.portage.wi.us/H1N1%20Flu/index.shtm.
Also for UWSP Students - UWSP Health Services is now offering
H1N1 vaccinations for high risk students. This includes
students that have underlying medical conditions that put them at higher
risk for influenza-related complications (i.e. asthma, diabetes, renal
disease, heart disease, etc.). Students may come to UWSP Health Services
front desk (Delzell first floor) without an appointment anytime between
9 a.m. and 4 P.M. Monday through Friday. Call 343-4646 with questions.
Please help spread the word to students on this opportunity available to
them.
Students are also eligible to receive the vaccination through the
Portage County Health Department process (when eligible). However UWSP
Health Services appears to be a faster route for them at this time. No
charge for either the Portage County or UWSP Health Services
vaccinations.
We encourage you to continue the precautions that
will help limit the spread of the H1N1 novel virus as discussed below.
UWSP continues to monitor and respond to the current influenza pandemic
situation. On
June 11, 2009, the World Health Organization (WHO) raised the worldwide
pandemic alert level to
Phase 6 in
response to the ongoing global spread of the novel influenza A (H1N1)
virus. A Phase 6 designation indicates that a global pandemic is
underway.
Similar to seasonal influenza in the United States, most people who have
become ill with the newly declared pandemic virus have recovered without
requiring medical treatment. However, as with all influenza it can be
dangerous for certain groups and unpredictable for others. CDC
anticipates that there will be more cases, more hospitalizations and
more deaths associated with this pandemic in the coming fall and winter
during the U.S. influenza season.
The symptoms of this novel influenza A (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 number of people who have been infected with this virus also have
reported diarrhea and vomiting. The estimated incubation period is not
definite but is estimated by CDC to range from 1-7 days, and more likely
1-4 days.
People infected with seasonal and
novel H1N1 flu shed virus and may be able to infect others from 1 day
before getting sick to 5 to 7 days after.
UWSP has developed a pandemic response plan that is currently be
implemented by various departments with ongoing efforts in this area.
The Centers for Disease Control has a number of recommendations UWSP is
following as part of our plan.
Some key areas to follow include:
PREVENTION:
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How does novel H1N1 virus spread?
Spread of novel H1N1 virus occurs in the same way that seasonal flu
spreads. Flu viruses are spread mainly from person to person in
close contact (3 feet of less) through coughing or sneezing by
people with influenza (aerosolized respiratory droplets). 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.
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The single best way to prevent influenza is to get vaccinated each
year (vaccination for novel H1N1 expected this fall). In addition
good health habits like covering your cough and washing your hands
often can help stop the spread of germs and prevent respiratory
illnesses like the flu. There also are flu antiviral drugs that can
be used to treat and prevent the flu. Below are basic steps that are
excellent prevention measures everyone can follow:
1. Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
2. Stay home when you are sick. If possible, stay home from work,
school, events and errands when you are sick. You will help prevent
others from catching your illness.
3. Practice excellent respiratory etiquette. Cover your mouth and nose
with a tissue when coughing or sneezing. Don't use hands. It may prevent
those around you from getting sick. Wash hands afterward.
4. Practice excellent hand hygiene. Washing your hands often will help
protect you from germs.
5. Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs are often spread when
a person touches something that is contaminated with germs and then
touches his or her eyes, nose, or mouth.
6. Practice other good health habits. Get plenty of sleep, be physically
active, manage your stress, drink plenty of fluids, and eat nutritious
food.
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Those with
influenza like illness (ILI)
should stay away from work and classes and limit interactions
with other people (called “voluntary self-isolation”), except to
seek medical care, for at least 24 hours after they no longer have a
fever, or signs of a fever, without the use of fever-reducing
medicines. They should stay away from others during this time period
even if they are taking antiviral drugs for treatment of the flu.
(For more information, visit
http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/guidance/exclusion.htm.).
This includes all students, employees, student employees, and other
campus visitors.
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For students in Residential Halls see
letter to residents and family for specific directions.
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If persons with (ILI) must leave their home or dorm room (i.e., to
seek medical care or other necessities) they should cover their nose
and mouth when coughing or sneezing. A surgical loose-fitting mask
can be helpful for persons who have access to these. A tissue or
other covering may be appropriate as well.
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If possible, persons with ILI who wish to seek medical care should
contact their health care provider or campus health services to
report illness by telephone or other remote means before seeking
care.
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Household members, roommates, or those caring for an ill person
should follow guidance developed for caring for sick persons at
home. (See
Interim Guidance for H1N1 Flu (Swine Flu): Taking Care of a Sick
Person in Your Home).
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Persons who are at
high
risk of complications from novel influenza A (H1N1) infection
should consider their risk of exposure to novel influenza if they
attend public gatherings in communities where novel influenza A
virus is circulating. In communities with several reported cases of
novel influenza A (H1N1) virus infection, persons who are at risk of
complications from influenza should consider staying away from
public gatherings.\
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UWSP Departments/Units should have hand sanitizer (with at least 60%
alcohol), disposable disinfectant wipes, and Kleenex available for
general use. Wipes can be used by employees and students to
routinely wipe down frequently used surfaces. Ensure items are
dispose of properly in garbage containers. UWSP Departments/Units
should order these items directly for their respective areas.
o
Hand Sanitizer, disposable sanitizing wipes, dispensers, and Kleenex all
available to order through
UWSP Central Stores
(x3897).
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Establish regular schedules for frequent cleaning of high-touch
surfaces (for example, bathrooms, doorknobs, elevator buttons,
rails, shared computers, remote controls, and table tops).
Custodial areas are stepping
up their cleaning efforts throughout UWSP, however all individuals
can help in this effort by keeping their individual work and study
areas clean. Most household disinfectant cleaners and detergents are
effective for influenza. Any cleaner questions contact UWSP EHS
Department at 2320.
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Encourage students to frequently clean their living quarters,
including high-touch surfaces.
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Help in education of all individuals at UWSP. Pass on key
information to students, employees, family, friends, others. This
can be done at employee meetings, beginning of class, prior to
meetings, discussions, etc.
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UWSP Safety & Loss Control is available to conduct basic training
upon request at 3901.
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CDC is not currently recommending institutions cancel or dismiss
classes or other large gatherings. However, using the above steps to
prepare and help slow the spread of the virus is the directive.
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Prepare a kit. We recommend that
students buy hand sanitizer, appropriate medication, and a
thermometer. These items may
be available in the University Store, Debot Convenience Store, and
in local stores around the community as well.
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When vaccinations become available UWSP will likely hold clinics on
campus.
To be announced.
See below for more information.
Additional updates will be sent to campus. Contact Jeff Karcher at
346-3901 with any questions. Thank you.
UWSP PANDEMIC PLAN Draft (Contact Safety & Loss
Control 3901)
Novel Influenza A
(H1N1)
Pandemic UWSP Presentation
RESOURCES
UWSP INFLUENZA AWARENESS MESSAGES & ALERTS:
Call 2-1-1 for information on the flu. 2-1-1
service will provide information on prevention and community resources.
No Charge.
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