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H1N1 Influenza Virus

University of Missouri-St. Louis H1N1 campus update 11/17/2009

We now have 25 cases of H1N1 on campus, including several cases in the Residential facilities on campus. An isolation room has been set up in Oak Hall for students with H1N1 and Residential Life is working with Health Services to evaluate suitemates and other students who may have been in contact with the students in isolation for H1N1. Chartwells has set up meal delivery for the students in isolation.

In addition, Health, Wellness & Counseling conducted an outreach activity in Oak Hall for residential students on hand washing and respiratory hygiene, symptoms of flu and what to do if you have the symptoms, and information on seasonal flu vaccine and H1N1 vaccine. Students were provided thermometers in order to be able to determine whether they have a fever over 100 degrees Fahrenheit (a hallmark symptom of H1N1) if they feel ill.

Hand Sanitizers for buildings on campus are in place. Faculty and staff are also encouraged to use sanitizing wipes to clean computer stations, desks and phones. The campus community is encouraged to continue to follow the prevention guidelines previously sent out regarding washing hands with soap and water frequently, and using alcohol based hand sanitizers when soap and water is not accessible. Remember to continue to practice respiratory hygiene by covering coughs and sneezes via covering your mouth with your upper sleeve rather than your hands or covering your mouth with a tissue and disposing of the tissue immediately. Always wash your hands after coughing and sneezing. Try to eliminate touching your face with your hands.

In addition, please continue to follow the guidelines issued by the CDC regarding staying at home and self isolating when ill. Symptoms of H1N1 are a fever over 100 degrees Fahrenheit along with a cough and/or sore throat. For questions or to schedule an appointment for confirmation of these symptoms, call Health, Wellness & Counseling at 516-5671.

Flu mist vaccine is now available in Health, Wellness & Counseling for the seasonal flu. The cost is $20.00. This is a live virus vaccine available to people age 2-49 years who do not suffer from asthma, diabetes or have an immune system that has been impaired by disease or treatment. Health, Wellness & Counseling is on a waiting list for the injectable seasonal flu vaccine.

Health, Wellness & Counseling has received limited doses of the H1N1 vaccine from the Department of Health, and we are able to administer the vaccine based on guidelines from the CDC related to who should be vaccinated.

The goal of University Health, Wellness & Counseling Services (UHWCS) at the University of Missouri - St. Louis is to protect the health of our university community by reducing community transmission and protect those with high-risk conditions.

For any questions please contact UHWCS at (314)516-5671 or stop by at 131 MSC Bldg.

WHAT TO DO:
Influenza-like illness (ILI) symptoms include fever greater than 100 degrees Fahrenheit, and a cough and/or sore throat.  It is important that students, faculty and staff with flu-like illness remain home until 24 hours after resolution of fever without the use of fever-reducing medications.  Those with flu-like illness should stay away from classes and limit interaction with other people (self- isolation), except to seek health care. 

Students with ILI should promptly seek health care if they have a condition that puts them at increased risk of severe illness from the flu, or if they develop severe symptoms such as increased fever, shortness of breath, chest pain or pressure or rapid breathing.

Residential students with ILI should self-isolate and may have meals brought to them, by contacting the Residential Life Office (314-516-6877).  Non-residential students, faculty and staff with ILI are asked to self-isolate at home. 

Students should stay in touch with faculty members and classmates via e-mail and Blackboard.  Faculty should have an alternate plan for classes such as on-line discussion or independent assignments, on-line tests, etc. to ensure that course objectives are met. 

THE BEST OFFENSE IS A GOOD DEFENSE
Simple measures that should be taken by everyone are:

• Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when coughing or sneezing (or turn your head into your sleeve).  Dispose of the tissue immediately and wash your hands.

• Wash your hands often with soap and water.  Carry alcohol based hand sanitizer to use when soap and water are not easily accessible.  Make use of the hand sanitizer stations posted in various buildings on campus.

• Avoid close contact with sick people as influenza is thought to spread mainly through the coughs and sneezes of infected people via airborne droplets.

• Sometimes people may become infected by touching something with the virus on it and then touching their eyes, nose or mouth.  Therefore, avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth with your hands.

• Remember to get the seasonal flu vaccine.

• Do not share items such as cell phones, drinks, etc.

If you have ILI symptoms, you may call Health, Wellness & Counseling at 314-516-5671 or contact your health care provider. 

A link to CDC’s website with the latest H1N1 influenza virus information is posted on the Health Services page of the UHWCS website.