The 411 on H1N1
Marcia Nickle
Emergency Preparedness Coordinator
Campus and Public Safety
Influenza: The Signs and Symptoms
• Respiratory virus (not stomach “flu”)
• Influenza strains change slightly each year
• Symptoms
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Fever (over 100° F)
Cough
Headaches and body aches
Severe fatigue
Runny Nose
Sore Throat
Gastrointestinal issues
Nausea or Vomiting
Transmission of Influenza
• Coughing or Sneezing
• Direct contact with:
– Person with symptoms (6 feet)
– Contaminated surface (2-8 hours)
• Individuals are contagious from 1 day BEFORE
symptoms to upwards of 7 days after symptoms
• Incubation period – 1 to 7 days
• Monitor for symptoms
Treatment for Influenza
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Rest
Plenty of fluids
Tylenol/Acetaminophen for pain/fever
Antiviral medications
– Given to those with a high risk of influenza
complications, severely ill or hospitalized
– Should be given within 2 days of onset of
symptoms for maximum effectiveness
What the University is Doing to
Prepare for H1N1’s Return
• Faculty consultations on alternate forms of
teaching (online)
• Adherence to State of Delaware Public Health
and CDC guidance
• Developing and updating emergency plans on
H1N1
• “H1N1: 411” webpage with all the latest
information on H1N1
What the University is Doing to Prepare
for H1N1’s Return
Educational Campaign
• Posters across campus
• Informational
pamphlets
• Student
information/question
and answer session
Seasonal Flu Vaccination Program
• States are expecting deliveries of seasonal flu
vaccines earlier (late September) than usual
(mid to end of October)
• UD plans to hold flu clinics as soon as we
receive the vaccine and do the clinics in
multiple locations across campus
H1N1 Vaccination Program
• States are expecting deliveries of the H1N1
vaccine in November/December
• UD is prepared to deliver the H1N1 vaccine in
the priority order given by CDC:
– Pregnant women
– Caregivers of infants 6 months and younger
– Health care and EMS personnel
– Children/young adults age 6 months to 24 years
– Adults 25 to 64 years with chronic medical
conditions
What can you do?
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Get the seasonal flu shot
Sign up for UD Alert
Stay home if you are sick
Wash hands or use alcohol-based hand sanitizer
frequently
• Cover mouth with arm when sneezing or
coughing
• Don’t go back to class or to group events until
you are fever free for 24 hours (without Tylenol)
• Communicate the above to your residents
Stay Healthy!
Marcia Nickle
Emergency Preparedness Coordinator
831-0383
mnickle@udel.edu