H1N1 Flu Information for USF Students and Parents

A Message for USF Students and Parents:

The University of San Francisco has established a taskforce of officials who have been in communication with infectious disease experts from the San Francisco Department of Public Health to deal with possible cases of seasonal flu and the H1N1 virus. The taskforce continues to monitor the activity of the novel H1N1 virus and seasonal flu and to coordinate plans to educate the campus community on minimizing the risk of infection, and maintaining safe campus operations.

According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the novel H1N1 virus spreads through tiny wet drops produced when a contagious person coughs, sneezes, or talks. Symptoms of both the novel H1N1 virus and seasonal flu typically include fever (100 degree F or higher) along with one or several of the following symptoms: cough, sore throat, nasal congestion, muscle aches, headache, chills, fatigue, diarrhea, or vomiting. Students diagnosed with, or suspected to have influenza should seek medical attention, not go to class, and avoid contact with others until at least 24 hours after their fever resolves. This is a guideline that has been established by the CDC.

Individuals can help protect themselves and others by following these simple healthy habits: wash your hands often, cough and sneeze in your sleeve, don’t share personal items, stay home or in your room when sick, and get vaccinated.

We know you may have questions about the status of the novel H1N1 virus; we will continue to communicate information to you in the coming months.  Please don’t hesitate to ask questions. You can contact Kamal Harb, Director of Health Promotions Services, at (415) 422-6702 and kharb@usfca.edu.
 
We wish you ongoing success and good health at USF.

Sincerely,
 
Mary J. Wardell, Ed.D.
Associate Vice President/Dean of Students

Kamal Harb, MPH
Director of Health Promotion Services

Resources for USF Students:

USF Student Health Clinic: 450 Stanyan St., 2West (Second Floor)     Phone: (415)750-4980
San Francisco Department of Public Health:     www.sfcdcp.org/flu.html
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention:    www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/

If you are sick with the flu, below are some tips on how to take care of yourself and to keep others healthy:

• Know the signs and symptoms of flu. Symptoms of flu include fever or chills and cough or sore throat. In addition, symptoms of flu can include runny nose, body aches, headache, tiredness, diarrhea, or vomiting.
  
  
• Stay home or at your place of residence if you are sick for at least 24 hours after there is no longer a fever (100 degrees Fahrenheit or 38 degrees Celsius) or signs of a fever (have chills, feel very warm, have a flushed appearance, or are sweating). This should be determined without the use of fever-reducing medications (any medicine that contains ibuprofen or acetaminophen). Staying away from others while sick can prevent others from getting sick too. Ask a roommate or friend to check up on you and to bring you food and supplies if needed.
  
  
• Cover you mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing.
  
  
• Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after coughing or sneezing. Alcohol-based hand cleaners are also effective if soap and water are not available.
  
  
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth. Germs spread this way.
  
  
• Sick people should stay at home or in their residence, except to go to the health care provider’s office.
  
  
• Stay in a separate room and avoid contact with others. If someone is caring for you, wear a mask, if available and tolerable, when they are in the room.
  
  
• Drink plenty of clear fluids (such as water, broth, sports drinks, and electrolyte beverages for infants) to keep from becoming dehydrated.
  
  
• Contact your health care provider or institution’s health services if you are at higher risk for complications from flu for treatment. People at higher risk for flu complications include children under the age of 5 years, pregnant women, people of any age who have chronic medical conditions (such as asthma, diabetes, or heart disease), and people age 65 years and older.
  
  
• Contact a healthcare provider right away if you are having difficulty breathing or are getting worse.