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UMD RecommendationsThe novel influenza virus known as H1N1 first appeared in the United States in April 2009 and has continued to spread in Minnesota and the U.S. throughout the summer. It is expected that the virus will still be active throughout the upcoming academic year. While the vast majority of those infected with this virus have had mild, self-limited disease up to this point, some individuals with the following underlying health conditions have had more severe infections and complications:
The CDC, state and county health departments continue to monitor this virus carefully, looking for evidence of a pattern of increasing severity of infection. Infected individuals are considered contagious (able to spread the virus) up to a day before symptoms begin and until at least 24 hours after the fever has resolved and perhaps as long as 5 to 7 days after illness begins. Symptoms typically resolve within 7 days. The virus is spread by coughing, sneezing or by touching objects which have virus on them and then touching the eyes, nose and mouth. Typical signs and symptoms of infection include:
If infection or close contact exposure to someone with H1N1 is suspected AND you are at high risk for complications OR you have severe symptoms, please contact Health Services at 726-8155 as soon as possible. Severe flu symptoms can include:
Treatment of infected individuals who are at low risk for complications typically focuses on managing symptoms, such as treating fever with Ibuprofen or Tylenol, maintaining hydration with fluids, and getting extra rest. Tamiflu, an antiviral medication, is prescribed to treat infection and also to prevent infection in those exposed; however, the CDC has recommended that Tamiflu use be LIMITED to those at highest risk for severe infection and complications (see above). UMD Health Services has received a limited supply of Tamiflu from the federal government stockpile program. A vaccine for H1N1 is in production at this time; however, clinical trials regarding its safety and efficacy aren't complete yet. The vaccine may be available for distribution in October in limited amounts, and UMD Health Services has pre-registered as a H1N1 vaccine administration site with the Minnesota Department of Health. The most important strategies for managing the H1N1 virus on university campuses focus on planning, education and prevention. UMD and the CDC recommend that everyone who is eligible be vaccinated for seasonal influenza (different from H1N1) in September and October. It is hoped that by doing so, infection with the seasonal flu and H1N1 at the same time can be prevented. Seasonal influenza vaccine clinics, sponsored by Health Services and the College of Pharmacy, will be held on campus at UMD in September and October (see link on our web page). Since the H1N1 virus appears highly contagious, it cannot be over-stated the IMPORTANCE OF LIMITING YOUR EXPOSURE TO OTHERS IF YOU ARE ILL.
LIMIT YOUR EXPOSURE TO OTHERS UNTIL AFTER YOUR FEVER IS GONE FOR 24 HOURS WITHOUT THE USE OF FEVER RELIEVER SUCH AS TYLENOL OR IBUPROFEN. You can minimize your risk of acquiring or spreading the virus if you:
UMD recommends that all students be prepared for H1N1 by bringing to school:
Please refer to the links listed on our web page for additional information on H1N1, UMD's Pandemic Influenza Response Plan or call UMD Health Services at 726-8155.
revised 10-5-09 |
University of Minnesota Campuses