H1N1 Flu: Remain Alert

 

President's Message — November 13, 2009

EOU Community,

The effects of H1N1 flu have begun to hit home...and work, school and church. By now, most of us have encountered a family member, neighbor or co-worker who has caught the flu. Since September 1, more than 800 Oregonians have been hospitalized with flu-like illness, and 23 people have died. At EOU, we have been fortunate not to experience any major breakouts, however, the message is clear: H1N1 is a reality, and it is here. We all must remain alert and proactive to prevent its spread.

I have included an update on the vaccine below, but first, note these important points about how the flu virus spreads.

1. The flu spreads from person to person through mucus droplets. Potentially, you could catch the flu the following ways:

a. Someone with the flu coughs or sneezes on you.

b. Someone with the flu coughs or sneezes on a surface that you touch, and you then touch your eyes, nose or mouth.

2. The virus can live on a hard surface for four to six hours. Frequent and thorough hand washing is vital to prevent the flu. Just as important, please stay home if you become ill, because you will be contagious. If you come to work sick, you will spread the virus.

Vaccine:

Even with the slow arrival of the H1N1 vaccine, new shipments continue to arrive in Oregon. The director of the Public Health Division encourages people to be patient. "Even if you don't get vaccinated right away, there is still value in getting one eventually, Dr. Mel Kohn said recently. "It is likely that H1N1 will continue into the spring, so it will not be too late to get protection in the months to come."

People in the priority groups should get as much information as possible before visiting a clinic or other provider for the vaccine. Some locations have set local rules or restrictions, or they may have run out of vaccine. Check the provider's Web site or call before you go.

The priority groups remain: everyone from six months to 24 years of age, pregnant women, people who care for or live with infants under six months of age, people aged 25-64 who have underlying medical conditions (such as asthma or immune deficiencies), and healthcare workers, emergency medical responders, frontline law enforcement and public safety workers.

The Department of Human Services just launched a redesigned Web site at http://flu.oregon.gov. Per the Governor's executive order, every state agency Web site, including ours, has a convenient link to it. The improved site prominently features sections on how to prevent the flu, learn more about the flu, and care for someone with the flu. A vaccine section answers questions about the vaccine and displays a "locator" with information on the availability of the vaccine provided by counties.

To find out about your health plan's coverage for vaccinations, visit PEBB's Web site at http://oregon.gov/DAS/PEBB/flushots.shtml.

What to do if you get sick:

Also at flu.oregon.gov, you can find information on when to seek help from a healthcare professional and the flu symptoms to watch for. I encourage you to read it. http://www.flu.oregon.gov/articles/Pages/WhentoSeekMedicalCare.aspx. Oregon Public Health has also established a flu hotline providing medical triage services. The number is 1-800-978-3040.

Both the Centers for Disease Control and the Public Health Division recommend staying home until 24 hours after the fever subsides without the aid of fever-lowering medication. You can find more information at http://flu.oregon.gov/articles/Pages/HowLongtoStayHome.aspx.

Thank you for everything you do at home and at work to stay healthy. I appreciate the care and concern you have shown - people caring for themselves and for others. Let's remember that we will get through this. Thanks again.

 

Bob Davies

EOU President

 

Web resources:

• EOU H1N1 Web site: http://www.eou.edu/h1n1/index.html

• Oregon's main flu site: http://flu.oregon.gov/

• Centers for Disease Control: http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/

• PEBB: http://oregon.gov/das/pebb