Be sure to check back periodically here for updates and links to additional online resources. The college H1N1 team is monitoring the situation with local, state, and federal health agencies. Seasonal flu shots will be offered at the Health Center once supplies arrive. Please call to be put on a wait-list (415) 485-9458.

COM H1N1 Update Sept. 15, 2009

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 novel H1N1 flu was underway. The primary symptoms of novel H1N1 flu are fever, sore throat, and cough. These symptoms can also represent infection with the seasonal flu, which is an entirely different virus.  Laboratory testing to confirm whether someone specifically has the H1N1 influenza is currently being done in very few situations.

CCC’s Pandemic Education and Prevention Video:

• Additional online resources:
• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
• California Department of Public Health
• Marin County Pandemic (H1N1) Flu Response
• Flu.gov One-stop access to U.S. Government H1N1, avian and pandemic flu information
• World Health Organization

Symptoms of H1N1 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 novel H1N1 flu virus also have reported diarrhea and vomiting. The high risk groups for novel H1N1 flu are not known at this time, but it’s possible that they may be the same as for seasonal influenza. People at higher risk of serious complications from seasonal flu include people age 65 years and older, children younger than 5 years old, pregnant women, people of any age with chronic medical conditions (such as asthma, diabetes, or heart disease), and people who are immunosuppressed (e.g., taking immunosuppressive medications, infected with HIV).

Instructions for Students Exhibiting Symptoms of Influenza-like Illness

• At the first sign of flu symptoms, please isolate yourself at home, do not come to classes, and, if you are at school, go home immediately.
• Contact your health-care provider or Student Health Services (415-485-9462) and ask for a phone consultation regarding a flu-like illness. Typically, going into a health-care facility is not advisable unless you are in a high risk category for complications and it may be appropriate for you to receive antiviral medication. High risk categories currently include those who are pregnant, have a compromised immune system, and individuals less than 5 years old or more than 65 years old. Testing for the flu is not currently being done in settings outside the hospital, as this does not change the treatment plan.
• Check your course syllabus for attendance and make up policies. We encourage you to communicate with your instructor as soon as possible.
• Notify your instructors by e-mail or telephone to let them know that you are sick with influenza-like illness and when your symptoms began. Receive direction from your instructors on how you may be able to meet any class requirements you miss during your illness related absence.
• Take good care of yourself! Home self-care of this illness includes Acetaminophen or Ibuprofen for headache, fever, and body aches. Monitor your fever with a thermometer. Drink clear fluids throughout the day. If you have a cough that is unrelieved with over the counter cough remedies or signs of severe illness, contact your health-care provider.
• Stay home per the guidelines issued by the CDC and Public Health Department as follows: Those experiencing flu-like symptoms should stay at home for at least  24 hours after their fever is gone without the use of fever reducing medicine.
• PLEASE NOTE: If you attend classes or work in a health-care setting, you should stay at home for 7 days after the onset of flu symptoms or until symptoms subside, whichever is longer.
  
  For more information visit http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/guidance/exclusion.htm.

Prevention & Treatment How you can protect yourself from getting sick.
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:

• Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it. Influenza is thought to spread mainly person-to-person through the coughing or sneezing of infected people.
• Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze. Alcohol-based hand cleaners are also effective. Please Note: College of Marin has installed sanitizing wipe dispensers in the entrances of buildings around campus for your convenience.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs spread this way.
• Try to avoid close contact with sick people. Try to stay at least 6 feet away from those that are ill.
• 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 to keep from making others sick.
• Follow public health advice regarding closures, avoiding crowds, and other social distancing measures.
• Get an annual seasonal flu vaccine and the H1N1 vaccine when it becomes available.
• Eat well, exercise moderately, and get sufficient rest.

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