Influenza

Fairmont State University and Pierpont Community & Technical College H1N1 Influenza Planning

FSU and PC & TC are initiating strategies on campus and at our satellite facilities to keep our students, staff and faculty healthy during the current outbreak of H1N1 in the U.S.

We are advising sick students, faculty and staff to stay at home until at least 24 hours after they no longer have a fever or signs of a fever, without using fever-reducing medications.

We are encouraging students and staff at higher risk of complications from flu to check with their health care provider about their options.

We are working with other community agencies to discourage sick members of the public and sick visitors from attending institution-sponsored events until they are free of fever for at least 24 hours.

We are establishing regular schedules for frequent cleaning of surfaces and items that are more likely to have frequent hand contact.

We are providing disposable wipes and hand sanitizers in key positions throughout campus.

We are offering the H1N1 vaccine through the Student Health Service. Student Health Service is located on the third floor of the Falcon Center on the FSU and Pierpont shared main campus. The office is open from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Mondays through Fridays. All students, faculty and staff can now receive the H1N1 vaccine. Appointments to receive the H1N1 vaccine are not required, and doses will be distributed on a walk-in basis. There will be no charge for the vaccine, which is available in the injection and nasal formats. Limited doses of the seasonal flu vaccine are available for students only. For more information, call Student Health Service at (304) 367-4155.

We have created an Influenza Hotline that will be kept up-to-date with flu information that is available 24 hours a day. The hotline number is (304) 368-7205.

H1N1 Influenza

Flu (Influenza) is caused by a virus.  Viruses are bits of genetic information surrounded by a protein shell.  If a virus gets inside some of your cells, its genetic instructions trick your cells into making many copies of the virus.  The infected cells release the virus copies, which then infect new cells.  In the case of flu, the viruses infect the lining of tubes that carry air to your lungs. 

How Do I Know If I Have the Flu?

Flu Symptoms Include:

* muscle aches
* sore throat
* possibly fever (greater than 100 degrees)
* headache
* dry cough
* weakness
* nausea and vomiting

Should I Ask My Doctor for a Prescription Anti-Flu Drug?

No.  Antiviral drugs are usually used to treat people who are at ridk for developing life-threatening complications from the flu.  There is no reason to routinely ask for these drugs to keep at home or to take as a precaution.  Viruses also very rapidly develop immunity to these medications.  Unnecessary use contributes to this problem.

How Long Can Flu Virus Stay Alive on Objects?

CDC says that studies have shown the influenza virus can survive on environmental surfaces for 2 - 8 hours after leaving the body.

What Kills Influenza Virus?

Most disinfectants will kill the virus when they are used as directed.

What About the Flu Shot?

The H1N1 Flu Vaccine is scheduled to be available sometime in October.  Exactly how it will be distributed and other details are being decided now.  FSU and PC & TC Students will be notified via an email if and when this is available.

Who Should Get One?

* college students due to close proximity in classrooms and residence halls
* those with chronic lung diseases such as asthma or emphysema
* those with chronic heart or kidney disease or anemia
* those with depressed immune systems
* those with jobs who put them at risk, such as health care workers

Flu shots have few side effects, but always talk to your health care provider about any vaccination:  Especially so if you have allergies, other health problems.

Should I Get Both Seasonal Flu Vaccine and H1N1 Vaccine?

Yes.  Seasonal Flu Vaccine will not protect against the H1N1 Virsu.

How Do I Take Care Of Myself If I Get the Flu?

* Go To Bed!!  Please do not go to class sick.
* Drink lots of clear fluids
* A cool sponge bath may be taken for fever and pain reduction.  Do not use alcohol baths.
* Warm vaporizer or over-the-counter medicines for cough
* Acetaminophen for pain and fever reduction
* Warm salt water gargles for sore throat
* Don't smoke

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends 4 main ways you may keep from getting sick with the flu?

1.  Practice good hand hygiene by washing your hands often with soap and water, especially after coughing or sneezing.  Alcohol-based hand cleaners are also effective.

2.  Cover your mouth and nose when you cough or sneeze.  Cough or sneeze into your elbow or shoulder; not into your hands.

3.  Stay home or at your place of residence if you are sick for at least 24 hours after you no longer have a fever or signs of a fever without using any medication containing ibuprofen or acetaminophen.  Ask a roommate, friend, or family member to check up on you and to bring you food and supplies if needed.

4.  Talk to your health care provider to find out if you should be vaccinated for seasonal flu and/or 2009 H1N1 flu.  Information about 2009 H1N1 flu vaccine can be found at:  www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/vaccination.

Call Your Health Care Provider If You Have:

* Fever of 100 degrees or higher
* Shaking chills
* Symptoms that don't get better or get worse again after being better
* Severe muscle pain
* Dark urine
* Severe headache
* Wheezing or other difficulty breathing

IF flu conditions become more severe, students, faculty, and staff may be asked to consider the following steps:

Extend the time you stay home or at your residence to at least 7 days, even if you feel better sooner.  If you are still sick after 7 days, continue to stay home until at least 24 hours after your symptoms have completely gone away.

Find ways to increase social distances in classrooms such as moving desks further apart, holding classes outdoors, or using distance learning methods.

Allow students, faculty and staff at higher risk for complications to stay home.  This decision should be made in conjunction with their health care provider.

Consider how and when to suspend classes by working closely with our local and state public health officials.