Letter to Faculty and Staff from Department of Human Resources Regarding the Status of the Flu in Virginia
Wednesday, August 12, 2009
Letter to Faculty and Staff from Department of Human Resources Regarding the Status of the Flu in Virginia
Jenny Foss, Director of Student Health Services, has provided the following update for university employees on the status of flu in Virginia.
The H1N1 Influenza A is still active in the United States and has been shown to disproportionately affect school age children and young adults, although cases have been reported in all age groups. The Virginia Department of Health (VDH) continues to see higher reports of influenza-like illness throughout the state than normal for this time of year.
Early in the novel influenza A (H1N1) virus outbreak, the VDH tested patients for the H1N1 virus to determine if the new virus was present in the state and how widespread infection was among Virginia's local communities. Since the H1N1 virus has now been identified in all regions of Virginia, there is no longer a need to routinely test for the virus.
Student Health Services has seen occasional influenza cases this summer, and so far, the severity of disease has been mild to moderate. However, for persons with underlying health conditions, such as asthma, diabetes, or heart and lung disease, the illness can be more serious. Pregnant women are also at risk for more serious illness.
Virginia Department of Health Commissioner Dr. Karen Remly has advised Virginians to prepare for the possibility of increased flu activity as students return to classes this fall. With that in mind, here is additional important information for ODU employees:
The university has a Campus Health Alerts web site on the ODU home page (www.odu.edu) with up-to-date information and helpful links.
A university-wide committee has been working diligently to prepare for flu season.
For persons with flu, the current CDC recommendation is to stay home from work and school until at least 24 hours after free of fever (100 F/37.8 C) without the use of fever-reducing medication. This means staying home for 3 to 5 days in most cases. This is very important for preventing the spread of flu to others.
Additionally, here are general guidelines for employees to help prevent the spread of influenza:
Stay home if you are sick. If you have symptoms of influenza-like illness (fever, cough, sore throat, headache, chills, fatigue and body aches), notify your supervisor and stay home for at least 24 hours after your fever is gone except to get medical care or necessary supplies.
Cover your nose and mouth when coughing or sneezing and throw the tissue in the trash.
Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after coughing or sneezing. The use of alcohol-based hand cleaners also is effective.
Limit close contact with sick people.
Prevent the spread of germs by not touching your eyes, nose or mouth.
Call your health care provider if you have questions or concerns, especially if you have an underlying medical condition or are pregnant and have flu symptoms or have been exposed to the flu.
Antiviral medication may shorten the duration and severity of illness, and is also sometimes used to prevent illness in individuals with underlying medical conditions or those who may be at risk for more severe illness.
Currently, a vaccine for H1N1 Novel influenza is in clinical trials in the US and may be available later this fall. The anticipated H1N1 vaccine would be in addition to the seasonal flu vaccine.
The CDC has posted information on priority groups for the H1N1 vaccine at: http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/vaccination.acip.htm.
It is too early to know specific details for employees at this time. However, the CDC is encouraging health care providers to begin their seasonal flu vaccine campaigns as soon as the seasonal flu vaccine is available.
For additional information and resources, visit the following web sites:
http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/sick.htm
http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/guidance_homecare.htm
http://www.vdh.virginia.gov/news/Alerts/SwineFlu/General_FAQs.htm
http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/guidance/workplace.htm
http://www.cdc.gov.h1n1flu/pregnant.htm