Fall 2009

Dear Boilermaker,

As this semester starts, please add one more item to your assignments: Monitor carefully the news about the H1N1 influenza virus and practice steps that will help prevent its spread.

Unlike seasonal flu, H1N1 is a novel virus, and we have no immunity. The Centers for Disease Control predict as many 40 percent of us on campus could become ill with this new virus over the next two years. And while H1N1 has not been an especially lethal virus so far, it has the potential to become so. Students are expected to be especially vulnerable because the virus affects those under age 25 more severely than others.

Vaccines are being developed for H1N1, but we do not expect the first shipment sooner than late October, and then more are expected to follow. When they become available, we will open sites on campus for inoculations. Vaccine will be provided based on priority groups established by the CDC. We’re told that we likely will need to administer two doses.

Meanwhile, what can you do?

For now, stay informed. Prevention is key. As with most viruses, flu is spread primarily by coughs and sneezes or by touching contaminated surfaces and transferring the virus by hand to your nose, mouth or eyes. To increase your chances of staying healthy and helping prevent spread:

* Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth.

* Cough into your sleeve or a tissue to prevent spreading germs. Do not cough into your hands. Dispose of tissues in a wastebasket.

* Wash your hands with soap under warm running water for 20 seconds and rinse your hands well. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.

* Dry your hands using a paper towel or air dryer. If possible, use the paper towel to turn off the faucet and turn the doorknob. Be sure your hands are dry before directly touching anything.

* Consider getting a vaccination against the seasonal flu as soon as vaccine becomes available on campus. While the seasonal flu vaccine will not protect against H1N1, it will protect against previously known flu strains.

* Avoid contact with people who are ill, if possible.

* If you are ill with influenza, do not go to class or to work. Know ahead of time what the absence policy is. It is very important that you contact your professors, instructors, or employers as soon as possible during or immediately following your illness. It is essential that notification be made before final grades are determined.

* Stay home at least 24 hours after your temperature returns to normal without the aid of medicine.

Should you become ill, isolate yourself to minimize spread and call your health-care provider or the Purdue University Student Health Center at 765-494-1700. If possible, go home until you recover. If you are living with an ill person, be helpful but keep your distance. Risk can be lessened if the sick or well person leaves for seven or more days. In addition, a sick person can wear a mask to avoid spreading the disease through coughing or sneezing.

The Centers for Disease Control offers additional advice for homecare at http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/guidance_homecare.htm  

Flu symptoms usually appear 24-48 hours after being exposed to the virus, and people remain contagious for seven days after the onset of symptoms.

Basic flu symptoms include fever, cough, sore throat, fatigue, chills and body aches. Seek emergency care immediately if you experience any of the following symptoms:

* Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath

* Pain or pressure in the chest or abdomen

* Sudden dizziness

* Confusion

* Severe or persistent vomiting

Finally, let's look out for one another. If you know of anyone who has flu-like symptoms, urge them to contact their health-care provider. Also, let others know. Tell your residence hall assistants and leaders in fraternities, sororities, and co-ops so they can help.

For updated information from Purdue and government agencies, see http://www.purdue.edu/fluinfo. A link also can be found at the bottom left of the Purdue Home Page.

Sincerely,
James S. Westman, Ph.D.
Director, Purdue Student Health Center