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Swine Flu (H1N1) Information

Information for Parents and the Community

The Pandemic Flu Committee is working with local and state officials during the flu pandemic. We are adhering to CDC guidelines for prevention and containment of the flu.

  • The novel H1N1 influenza (swine-related) is now considered a pandemic which means the virus is widespread and occurring in most areas of the world. There has been at least one confirmed case in Baldwin County and possibly others. We expect there will be other cases.

  • Seasonal flu typically results in about 36,000 deaths nationwide and more than 200,000 hospitalizations are from flu-related causes. Flu is deadly, both seasonal flu and H1N1. So far, H1N1 has not been as deadly as seasonal flu, but the virus may become more severe in the colder months. It is possible that someone could contract both H1N1 influenza and seasonal influenza. So far, the population most affected, by the novel H1N1 flu are between the ages of 5 -24 years. We are therefore concerned that a large outbreak could occur on our campus.

  • Testing for H1N1 flu is no longer being done for diagnostic purposes but only for surveillance. The State Lab is now primarily testing samples from those hospitalized or in some cases children. Therefore, a person will probably not know if they have H1N1 flu or seasonal flu. Many cases diagnosed this summer were assumed to be H1N1 flu since seasonal flu does not occur in the summer. We are able to test for seasonal flu in the Student Health Clinic as in most health care offices.

  • Symptoms of the novel H1N1 flu are the same as seasonal flu. The usual symptoms are fever, cough, sore throat, runny/stuffy nose, body aches, and occasionally nausea and vomiting.

  • Many people recover from the flu without seeking medical attention. Treatment consists of rest, fluids, acetaminophen, good hygiene, and staying away from others. Antiviral medications are sometimes prescribed but only work in about 70% of cases and must be started within 48 hours of symptoms beginning. A course of Tamiflu costs around $100.

  • The CDC recommends staying home for 24 hours after fever has subsided without the use of medications. Should symptoms worsen, persons with the flu should contact their health care provider.

  • Persons who are sick should stay home, away from others (called social distancing). You should stay away from those who are sick.

  • Residential students who are diagnosed with flu will be asked to go home until they have been without fever for 24 hours.

  • Contact the health department or your personal physician for information on flu shots. When H1N1 vaccine becomes available, the ASU Department of Nursing expects to have a limited supply available. Reserve your vaccine by calling the nursing department at 70-737-1725.  Flu Shot: free with valid ASU ID; $5, general public.

  • Good hygiene is the most effective prevention for the spread of the flu.

  • Cover nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it and wash hands. If the is no tissue, cough or sneeze into sleeve.

  • Wash hands often with soap and water, especially after coughing or sneezing. Use alcohol-based hand cleaners if soap and water are not available.

  • If sick, stay home from work or school and limit contact with others to keep from infecting them. Stay at home until you are free of fever and other flu-like symptoms (without the use of fever reducing medication) for 24 hours.

  • Avoid touching eyes, nose or mouth to keep germs on the hands from entering the mucous membranes.

  • Keep surfaces clean as normal with household disinfectants.

Bottom line:

  • H1N1 influenza is here and the regular flu season is about to begin. We expect to see flu cases.
  • H1N1 is the flu and symptoms are similar to those of seasonal flu. Prevention, containment, and treatment are the same.
  • Get a seasonal flu shot.
  • Practice good hygiene.
  • Keep informed with up-to-date information at www.cdc.gov/

CDC Information Line at 1-800-CDC-INFO or dial 2-1-1 from any landline phone. If you do not have a landline, dial (866) 680-8924.

www.pandemicflu.gov
www.health.state.ga.us/h1n1flu

Talking to Children About H1N1

As a parent you know how hard it can be for children to understand stressful situations, such as the current situation of novel H1N1 flu. Stressful situations often cause children to worry and have many questions as to why it is happening and how it can be fixed. It is important to remember to take care of your health and well-being as well as the health of your children. If you cope with a stressful situation well, your children will also cope better. Your confidence and calm attitude will help your children ease their worries and feel safe and secure.

Here are some helpful tips on what you can do for your children:

  • Keep activities as consistent and normal as possible even if your normal routine changes (due to daycare or school closures).
  • Ask your children what they have heard about novel H1N1 flu. Answer questions openly and honestly, at a level they can understand. Be concrete and do not avoid difficult questions. (See Talking With Children About Flu for more information on talking tips).
  • Allow your children to express their feelings and concerns. Let them know it is okay to be afraid or mad. Ask questions so you can help them identify and cope with their feelings.
  • Children always need to feel safe and loved. When they are uncertain about situations and afraid they may need even more affection and attention.
  • Limit exposure to media and adult conversations about novel H1N1 flu . If your children are watching T.V. try to watch with them or make sure you are available to answer questions about what they have heard.
  • As appropriate, encourage healthy behaviors: eating well, sleeping well, playing outside.
  • Use their questions as an opportunity to let them know what they can do to avoid getting novel H1N1 flu.

Focus on what your child can do to avoid getting novel H1N1 flu:

  • Wash hands frequently with soap and water for 20 seconds (long enough for children to sing the 'Happy Birthday' song twice). Be sure to set a good example by doing this yourself.
  • Cough and sneeze into a tissue. (If a tissue is used, throw the tissue away immediately).
  • Be sure to set a good example by doing this yourself.
  • Stay at least six feet away from people who are sick.
  • Stay home from school if sick, and stay away from sick people until they are better.