H1N1 flu FAQ

WWU preparedness for H1N1 Influenza

WWU recognizes the importance of emergency preparedness and is committed to protecting the safety, health and wellbeing of our campus community.

In June 2009, the World Health Organization and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention announced a pandemic—a global outbreak—of a new influenza virus. This virus, also referred to as “swine flu,” emerged in April 2009 and has since spread worldwide, including here locally. We have already had confirmed cases among both staff and students and expect to have more, especially as students return in September.

We’d like to make you aware of on- and off-campus resources available to help you better understand this virus, make informed decisions to keep yourself healthy and manage the potential effects of a large-scale H1N1 influenza outbreak on our campus.

Here is what you need to know:

How dangerous is the H1N1 swine flu?

The cases seen at WWU Student Health have been similar to seasonal influenza symptoms—generally mild and not requiring hospitalization. Most people suffer unpleasant but not life-threatening symptoms, such as fever, body aches, sore throat and runny nose. Gastrointestinal problems—vomiting and diarrhea—are normally rare for adults with flu, but have been reported in about half of H1N1 infected patients.

One unusual thing: Young people are getting sick with H1N1, while the elderly, who normally account for 90 percent of annual deaths from flu, have largely been spared.

Public health officials are monitoring the disease closely. Scientists point to a few hopeful signs: The new H1N1 virus lacks gene sequences that made the 1918 flu virus so deadly, and it hasn't mutated into a more-virulent form despite its rapid spread.

Who is most at risk?

Pregnant women and people with asthma, diabetes, heart disease and other chronic diseases. About 70% of those hospitalized and about 80% of those who have died in the U.S. had underlying medical conditions, according to the CDC.

What if I get H1N1 swine flu?

You can't know for sure if you have the new H1N1 flu unless you get a test. But the rapid flu test available at the WWU Student Health Center hasn't proven reliable at pinpointing cases of the new disease; only a test sent to the Washington State Lab can confirm whether you have it, and that test is restricted to hospitalized patients, or patients with unusual or atypical symptoms only.

Treatment is similar to that for seasonal flu. Most people get well by resting, staying hydrated and taking medicines to reduce fever. Stay home and keep your distance from others for at least 24 hours after your fever is gone without medications.

You should call the doctor if you have trouble breathing, chest or abdominal pain, dizziness, confusion or persistent vomiting, or if your flu symptoms worsen after improving.

On-campus resident students should follow the instructions from University Residences.

Should I take an antiviral such as Tamiflu?

Two antiviral medications, oseltamivir and zanamivir, marketed as Tamiflu and Relenza, respectively, can potentially help shorten the duration and severity of H1N1 swine flu.

The World Health Organization and the CDC don't recommend oseltamivir and zanamivir for people with only mild H1N1 swine flu illness, partly out of concern about the potential emergence of H1N1 swine-flu viruses that are resistant to the drugs. But the drugs should be prescribed for adults and children who have severe H1N1 swine flu or who are at risk for complications from the disease, the agencies say.

Side effects include nausea, vomiting and dizziness for both drugs. The CDC recommends use of the drugs for pregnant women, given their high risks of flu complications, though it notes that studies to assess their safety in pregnant women are lacking.

When will a vaccine be available, and how can I get it?

Public health officials say a vaccine is the best defense against the new flu, but you may have to wait until well into flu season to get one. The first 45 million doses—of a total of 195 million—are expected to be ready by mid-October, with approximately 20 million doses delivered each week thereafter. The shots are set to be recommended first for those at highest risk of complications, as well as health-care workers and close contacts of infants.

Officials expect each person will need two separate doses of the H1N1 vaccine and will probably be offered starting in November on campus.

The H1N1 swine flu shot won't protect you against seasonal flu, and the seasonal flu shot, which will be offered starting in mid-October, won't protect you against the new H1N1 virus. You will need both shots.

Is the vaccine safe?

The government and vaccine manufacturers are conducting clinical trials to determine whether the vaccine is effective and how large a dose is needed. Initial results are expected in early October.

What is thimerosal, and why is it in some vaccines?

For more information, read this and this from the CDC.

First In Line for Swine-Flu Shots

Pregnant women
Infants' caregivers and contacts
Children ages 6 months through 24 years old
People up to 65 years old with medical conditions
Health-care workers
Emergency medical-services workers

How can I protect myself until I can get the vaccine?

The most important prevention strategy is to follow the basic health and safety guidelines from the CDC. Also, here's a good story on staying clean from The New York Times.

What kind of hand sanitizer should I use?

For personal hand sanitizing, use Purell gel or foam when hand washing is not possible. Other products that are equivalent also will work well.

What kind of cleaning wipes should I use?

Clorox Green Works natural cleaning wipes are recommended. Wipes are typically an expensive alternative to spraying and wiping. Lysol and other manufacturers also provide cleaning and disinfecting wipes.

What kind of spray product should I use?

Spray and wipe product criteria are as follows:

The product should be green with minimal health hazards.
The product should be an effective cleaner of fomites(germ and virus food) as well as having an effective kill ratio of the enemy pathogens.
The product should not leave a residue.
The product should require no personal protective equipment for use.
The amount of product should be restricted.
The Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) should be readily available.

Spray and wipe product recommendations

Envirox products (see http://www.h2orange2.com/index.asp).
- Of their products, we recommend using Concentrate 118 or 117 for general sanitizing. This typical comes in a concentrate form and is inexpensive. Concentrate 118 and 117 are U.S. EPA registered to kill 99.99% of common bacteria and 99.9% of specified viruses, including Hepatitis B. This will work on the H1N1 virus.
- In a ready to use application the "One" product provides the same cleaning power as Concentrate 117.
- For more severe sanitizing we recommend Envirox "Critical Care" which is a ready-to-use product. While this provides high sanitizing levels it is much more expensive.

What kind of sanitizer should I use on electronic equipment?

For computer keyboards, mice, phones, etc. we recommend a dry-on-contact spray such as Saniguard Sprays and Foggers (see http://www.saniguard.com/sgsprayfoggers.html).

Managing illness if you get influenza-like symptoms

If you are experiencing a fever, cough and/or sore throat that concern you, employees should contact their private health care provider. Enrolled WWU students should call the WWU Student Health Center at 650-3400 for consultation rather than presenting in-person to the Student Health Center. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that people with influenza-like illness remain at home until at least 24 hours after they are free of fever (100 degrees F/37.8 degrees C), or signs of a fever without the use of fever-reducing medications.

A few more tips

Do not call to schedule an appointment before talking with the consulting nurse first.
In general, if you are not experiencing high fever, difficulty breathing, chest pain, persistent vomiting, severe diarrhea or instability related to dehydration, you will be advised how you can manage symptoms with home care.
If you have been told you have probable influenza, take all measures possible to avoid infecting other individuals, including isolation at home (if possible, on campus student residents are encouraged to return home during the duration of their illness).

Stay informed

Check WWU’s home page Web site at http://www.wwu.edu regarding any news that might affect classes, events, and the university as a whole.
Pay attention to any official emails you receive from the WWU administration regarding this topic. Faculty members may also be making official announcements to students in their classes.

Recommended sites

For more information

Contact the Student Health Center at (360) 650-3400 or go to our Web site at http://www.wwu.edu/chw/student_health.

The H1N1 influenza is a matter of concern and widespread attention. As part of the campus comprehensive emergency program, we have been preparing for the possibility of a public health emergency for a number of years and are vigilant in keeping abreast of the situation as it unfolds.

We will keep you updated with information about the status of the H1N1 influenza virus at WWU as it becomes available to us.