SEASONAL FLU & H1N1 UPDATE

September 21, 2009

MFWI Heath and Student Life Staff have been meeting on a regular basis with the Spokane Regional Health District (SRHD) in an effort to be prepared for the Influenza season.  All Universities in the Spokane area are following the recommendations of Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and SRHD to help in the prevention and the spread of illness.

Universities around the country and the world continue to report confirmed cases of Influenza A.  Over ninety (90) percent of all Influenza A was H1N1 by laboratory testing throughout the summer months.  Therefore, at the direction of Spokane Regional Health District (SRHD) and the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), all cases of Influenza will be treated as if it is the novel H1N1 virus. 

To date there have been several cases of confirmed and presumed Influenza A/H1N1 at MFWI.  All protocols of SRHD, CDC and MFWI have been followed for each student.   All students are recovering or have recovered without complications.  Although this is encouraging news, we will continue to be vigilant and consistent in our prevention efforts and treatment for all students and staff who become ill.

In addition to the Influenza Season, the traditional cold season is also occurring in Spokane.  Symptoms of both illnesses can be similar. 

• The common cold is an upper respiratory infection (nose and throat) and can be caused by many different types of viruses.  The common cold is contagious and lasts seven to 14 days.  A person may have a slight fever, (generally below 100 F/ 37.78 C), runny nose, sore throat, mild cough, sneeze or muscle aches.

• The flu (Influenza) is a highly contagious viral infection.  The flu mainly affects the lungs and sinuses. Often symptoms include headache, cough, fever (generally greater than 100 F or 37.78 C, or axillary temperature greater than 99 F or 37.22 C), muscle aches and exhaustion. A person with Influenza can be contagious for about one week after symptoms appear.

PREVENTION

As with most illnesses, a person is contagious for at least one day before symptoms appear.  This makes PREVENTION the best defense against becoming ill.   The following Prevention methods are suggested:

• Wash hands frequently and thoroughly with soap and running water.
• Use alcohol based hand sanitizers as directed when unable to wash hands.
• Cover nose and mouth with tissue or sleeve when coughing or sneezing.  Discard (throw into trash) tissue and wash hands immediately.
• Discard soiled tissues and wash hands immediately blowing nose.
• Do not share food, utensils, beverages, towels, lipstick or other personal items.
• Avoid touching eyes, mouth and nose. This is one of the main ways to introduce a virus or bacteria into your body.
• Avoid close contact with others who are ill, if possible.  Respiratory viruses are mainly spread though sneezing, coughing or talking close to a persons face.
• Frequently clean commonly used surfaces such as computers, light switches, doorknobs, desks, faucets, etc.
• STAY HOME if you are ill.  Do not attend classes or other group activities for at least 24 hours after you no longer have a fever without using fever reducing medication (ibuprophen, acetaminophen, cold medicines, etc.)
• All students a MFWI who have Influenza-like symptoms will be isolated in the dormitories.  They will be monitored by Health Services and Student Life staff to ensure their safety and wellbeing.
• FOLLOW ALL OF THE INSTRUCTIONS of the medical clinician and Health Services staff including wearing a mask, if instructed.
• If prescribed, take medications as directed. 
• CDC and SRHD are recommending Seasonal Influenza vaccine as well as H1N1 Vaccine when it becomes available.  MFWI is arranging for Seasonal Influenza Vaccine Clinics for all students and staff who wish to be immunized.  Students will be advised when H1N1 becomes available (most likely after 10/15/09).
• Be aware of any underlying health condition you have and discuss with the Health Services staff or clinician.

All students should report to the Advisors immediately if they or group mates become ill with any of the above symptoms.  Advisors are on-call 24 hours a day, seven (7) days a week and can be reached at 370-7385 or 370-6579.  Advisors can screen the students and access medical care if necessary.

TREATMENT

It is currently the recommendation of the CDC and SRHD is that most students can be treated at home in the dormitories without anti-viral medication.  Because most cases of H1N1 have been mild with few complications,  anti-viral medication is being reserved for persons with complications or who have underlying health conditions (asthma, heart, lung, etc.) and are at risk for developing complications. 

Specific testing for H1N1 will not be completed except for those who are hospitalized or develop complications.  Naturally, testing and treatment will always be based on the professional judgment of the medical clinician. 

Treatment for students will include rest, increasing fluid intake, fever reducing and /or over the counter cold/flu medications and monitoring for complications.  The students will be instructed in "warning signs" that need immediate medical attention including difficulty breathing or chest pain and signs of dehydration.

Updates

Updates will be posted as they become available.  Students and staff will be notified if there are changes in the above recommendations.