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Community Health Preparedness: H1N1 Flu
September 1, 2009

Last updated: 9/4/2009
If we have any new information, we will be sure to update this announcement. Otherwise, information remains current.

The H1N1 flu virus (swine flu) has proven to be very contagious and has already affected many college campuses. APU’s Student Health Center and Incident Command Team stand ready to activate existing plans to ensure the health and wellness of the APU community and provide resources that support prevention and treatment.

Prevention
Hygiene is very important to prevent spread of the H1N1 flu virus. APU encourages community members to continue to practice the following actions to prevent the spread of germs:

  • Cover your nose and mouth when you cough with your arm, elbow, or a tissue. Immediately dispose of the tissue if that is what you used. If you use your hand, wash your hands immediately.
  • Try to minimize the number of times you touch your eyes, nose, and mouth.
  • Wash your hands frequently using either soap and water for 15 seconds, or an alcohol based hand sanitizer.
  • Avoid close contact (less than 6 feet) with sick individuals.
  • Clean your living area frequently (tables, counters, doorknobs, etc).
  • Identify friends you can stay with for a few days if your roommate becomes ill with an Influenza-Like Illness (ILI).
  • If you become ill, consider going home (after being seen at the Student Health Center) until you are well.
  • Consider who you would ask to be your caregiver if you became ill with an ILI and are unable to return home.

Potential Symptoms
If you do develop the sudden onset (within a few hours) of the following symptoms, you may have contracted an Influenza-Like Illness and may need to be evaluated:

  • A fever (at least 100° F or 37.8° C) and
  • Cough or sore throat.
  • Additional symptoms that would make an ILI more likely include headache, fatigue, chills, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, or rash.

The following are potentially concerning symptoms that need urgent evaluation:

  • Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
  • Chest or abdominal pain or pressure
  • Sudden dizziness
  • Confusion
  • Severe or persistent vomiting
  • Symptoms that improve initially but then worsen with fever and cough

Who should I contact if I become ill?
If you do develop these symptoms, please do not walk in to the APU Student Health Center without an appointment. Rather, call the Student Health Center at (626) 815-2100 to schedule a same-day appointment, so we can avoid having potentially contagious people in the waiting room. If it is after hours, please call APU’s 24-hour Flu Hotline at (626) 428-6274.

If you are diagnosed with an ILI by the Student Health Center or your Primary Care Physician (PCP):

  • Isolation is the mainstay of treatment until you are free of fever for 24 hours without the use of a fever reducing medication. If you must leave your area of isolation, consider using a facemask.
  • We encourage you to select a caregiver to check on you daily, bring you food, and assist with communication between you and your professors if you are unable to do that electronically.
  • The Student Health Center will call daily to monitor how you are doing.
  • If you are diagnosed with an ILI by the Student Health Center, we will notify the Office of Student Life, and they will in turn notify your teachers. If you are diagnosed by your PCP, please notify the Student Health Center so we can be aware of your illness and notify the living area and Office of Student Life.
     

Who should receive antiviral medications?
Anyone who becomes ill with an ILI and:

  • Is severely ill and hospitalized.
  • Has a high risk medical condition.

Examples of High Risk Conditions

  • Diabetes
  • Asthma and other chronic lung problems
  • Pregnancy
  • Suppressed immune systems
  • Heart disease
  • Kidney disease
  • Neurocognitive and neuromuscular disorders

Vaccinations
Two different Influenza vaccinations will soon be available. We encourage everyone to obtain these.

  1. Seasonal Influenza: This yearly vaccination targets the new strain of the common flu and is one shot ($20). It's expected to be available mid-September.
  2. Novel H1N1 (Swine Flu): College students are considered to be a high risk group for the H1N1 flu virus. This shot will be free and is expected to be available in Azusa on October 29, and at APU the first week of November. Due to a potential shortage in supply of this vaccination, administration of this vaccine may take place in stages by prioritizing according to the following groups of people:
  • Pregnant women
  • Persons that live with or care for children less than 6 months of age
  • Healthcare workers and emergency medical personnel
  • Individuals between the ages of 6 months and 24 years
  • Those with chronic medical conditions (see below for examples) between the ages of 25–64.

Additional Resources

 

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