H1N1 Flu Update

 

October 15, 2009

To: All members of the EOU community
Re: Flu season and H1N1 (swine flu)

 

On behalf of the Student Health Center, we want to welcome all new and returning students to Eastern Oregon University. With the potential for an increased risk of influenza on the main campus and at other locations, we also wanted to remind everyone of ways to protect yourselves and the university community from the risk of influenza.

As you may be aware from media reports, the H1N1 strain of influenza (a.k.a. “Swine Flu”), continues its spread around the globe. So far, the severity of the flu caused by this strain is similar to that of seasonal influenza. In the upcoming flu season, we expect that both the H1N1 strain and seasonal flu strains will be circulating at the same time, which will likely produce an increase in the number of flu cases on campus and in our communities.

To minimize your own chance of getting any form of influenza and spreading it to others, we suggest the following:

• Get vaccinated for seasonal influenza as soon as the vaccine becomes available. Especially if you have any chronic medical or respiratory condition, you can minimize your risk of getting influenza with an annual flu shot. The EOU Student Health Center and the local public health department will have seasonal flu shots available.
• Consider vaccination for the H1N1 (swine flu). The guidelines for who should receive the new vaccine are still being developed by the Center for Disease Control (CDC). The EOU administration, Student Health Center and community health department are monitoring these recommendations and will keep you informed of recommendations when they become available.
• Stay home if you become ill with fever and cough. Protect the other members of our campus community and do not attend classes when you are ill! Your mild illness may spread illness to others, and to their friends, spouses, parents, siblings or children. If you miss class due to having the flu, contact your faculty regarding making-up coursework.
• Practice good hygiene and respiratory etiquette. This means that you should frequently clean your hands with soap and water or an alcohol-based hand sanitizer, avoid touching your face, and always cover your nose and mouth when you cough or sneeze. Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
• For on-campus students: Contact the Student Health Center at 541-962-3524 to make an appointment: if you have severe influenza-like illness; if you have been exposed to a confirmed H1N1 case; or if you are at increased risk of influenza complications (e.g. if you have underlying medical problems or might be pregnant). According to the CDC, the symptoms of 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 this virus also have reported diarrhea and vomiting.
• For off-campus students: If you attend classes at a community college, check with the campus health center. Most directives for community learning environments at schools, colleges and universities are relatively similar. If you have severe influenza-like illness; if you have been exposed to a confirmed H1N1 case; or if you are at increased risk of influenza complications (e.g. if you have underlying medical problems or might be pregnant), it is important to be in touch with your local community or campus health center. According to the CDC, the symptoms of 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 this virus also have reported diarrhea and vomiting.
• If you become very ill and experience any of the following warning signs, seek emergency medical care:

  - Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
  - Pain or pressure in the chest or abdomen
  - Sudden dizziness
  - Confusion
  - Severe or persistent vomiting
  - Flu-like symptoms improve but then return with fever and worse cough

• Stay informed. As more information becomes available, the university and Student Health will provide updated information on the main H1N1 website (www.eou.edu/h1n1), on and through other forms of campus communication.

 

Office of the President
EOU Student Health Center
EOU Student Affairs
EOU Public Affairs