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H1N1 Information for the JWU Community

What is H1N1? H1N1 is a new flu virus (sometimes referred to as "swine flu") that began affecting people in the United States in spring 2009. Because this new virus is different from the seasonal flu viruses that normally spread during flu season, a vaccine to prevent H1N1 has only recently been developed and is not yet widely available. In addition, while many people have developed antibodies for normal seasonal flu, these antibodies will not protect against H1N1 infection. As a result, H1N1 is expected to spread quickly and affect large portions of the population until the vaccine becomes widely available. For most people, the illness caused by H1N1 is similar to seasonal flu.

What are the symptoms of H1N1 flu? The symptoms of H1N1 flu are similar to the symptoms of seasonal flu and include a fever higher than 100° Fahrenheit (38° Celsius), together with a cough or sore throat. Other symptoms may include runny or stuffy nose, body aches, headache, fatigue, chills, diarrhea, or vomiting.

Why is H1N1 a particular concern for colleges and universities? According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), people under the age of 25 (which would include most college students) have had the highest infection rate of H1N1 flu so far. In addition, close contact with others at colleges and universities (through residence hall living, class attendance, and participation in athletics and campus activities) may also facilitate the spread of H1N1 through a college or university community.

What is Johnson & Wales University doing to help prevent the spread of H1N1? The university is implementing a number of measures, including the following:

  • Providing information and updates to the university community regarding H1N1
  • Providing for more frequent cleaning of commonly touched surfaces around campus
  • Making alcohol based sanitizers and/or wipes available around campus
  • Asking people with flu-like symptoms to stay home or in their residence hall rooms and to avoid close contact with others
  • Providing more flexible options for students or employees who exceed allowable absences or sick leave due to H1N1 flu (If you are sick, you can inquire about options as follows: students should contact their faculty members; faculty and staff should contact Human Resources and notify their department heads or supervisors.)
  • Encouraging good hand hygiene
  • Encouraging good respiratory etiquette
  • Planning and preparing additional measures to be taken in the event the H1N1 outbreak is more severe than expected

What can you do to prevent the spread of H1N1 and reduce your chances of contracting the virus? Each member of the university community should:

  • Practice good hand hygiene, including frequent and thorough hand washing with soap and water and the use of alcohol-based hand cleaners and wipes
  • Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth with your hands
  • Avoid close face-to-face contact with people who are sick
  • Practice respiratory etiquette by covering your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze or, if you do not have a tissue, coughing or sneezing into your elbow or shoulder and not your hands
  • Follow the H1N1 directives and recommendations issued by the university, your own health care provider, the CDC, and any applicable state or local health agencies
  • Promptly dispose of used tissues and other used disposable products (such as paper towels, napkins, and cups) in proper trash receptacles
  • Do not share items such as cell phones, sodas and other drinks, lip balms, cups and dishes, or eating utensils
  • If you are sick, stay home or in your residence hall room (except to get medical care or other necessities), avoid close contact with others, and do not return to work or class until you have been fever free (without fever reducing medication) for 24 hours
  • Take care of your health generally by eating right and getting enough sleep and exercise

Are certain people at higher risk of complications from H1N1 flu? According to the CDC, certain groups may be at higher risk for complications from H1N1 flu, including pregnant women, people with underlying chronic lung disease such as asthma, cancer, blood disorders, diabetes, heart disease, kidney or liver disorders, or certain neurological or neuromuscular disorders, people over the age of 64, and people with weakened immune systems. If you fall into any of these categories or have other concerns about your individual risk of complications from H1N1, you should consult with your doctor or health care provider. Students with concerns may also contact Student Health Services.

Where can I get more information? We highly recommend the CDC website, www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu,  as a resource for information about H1N1. The local health department websites for each of our campuses also offer pertinent information at the Rhode Island Department of Health, www.health.state.ri.us; Miami Dade County Department of Health, www.dadehealth.org; Denver County Department of Health, www.cdphe.state.co.us; Charlotte Mecklenburg County Department of Health, www.charmeck.org/Departments/Health+Department/Home.htm.

JWU will make every effort to keep the university community apprised of significant or urgent developments by email or through the university’s emergency contact system when appropriate. Finally, the homepage for your campus website will direct you to any campus-specific updates or information that your campus may have.

Important Note: While JWU will be updating this page from time to time, you should visit the websites for the CDC, www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu, and/or your state or local department of health for the latest official information.