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H1N1 Information

NEW! Award-winning Video
"If Only We Could See..."

URI's Harrington School of Communications invited all students to create a 30- or 60-second PSA that provides advice about the H1N1 flu virus. Students were encouraged to use information from health providers and health agencies regarding the virus. URI Film Media students Ethan Gallo and Kevin Krasko received the first place prize in the contest for their PSA-"If Only We Could See...". Entries were judged by a panel of health and film experts, and three cash prizes were awarded.

Web Chats

The transcripts for two web chats held to answer questions or concerns from the University community can be found below. As new chats are scheduled, notices will also be posted to University websites and emailed to faculty, staff and students.

Update...

November 16, 2009

Health Services continues to see increases in influenza-like illness (fever and cough and/or sore throat) in the URI community. Chad Henderson, director of URI Health Services and co-chair of the URI H1N1 Coordinating Committee, said 257 of such cases have been recorded among students within the Kingston Campus student body of approximately 13,000 who have presented to the URI Health Service since the fall semester began. Of 24 specimens sent to the Rhode Island Department of Health, 14 have tested positive for H1N1.

Faculty and students continue to work together to handle absences that are occurring. The University is fortunate that it has not had as many cases as other U.S. institutions of higher education.

The Department of Health has informed University that it will receive H1N1 vaccine sometime in December. At that time the University should have available the nasal H1N1 vaccine (FluMist), and a very limited supply of the injectable vaccine for those highest risk patients who are not eligible for the nasal vaccine. The vaccine will be for registered students only who have not reached their 25th birthday. Availability and process for obtaining the vaccine will be posted on the URI Health Services and the University's H1N1 site once the vaccine is received.

Health Services has been informed that it should also receive a limited amount of seasonal flu vaccine. Any that Health Services receives will be nasal vaccine (FluMist), which can only be used for healthy individuals between the ages of 2 and 49. If you receive a nasal vaccine you must wait 30 days before receiving another nasal vaccine. Any seasonal vaccine availability will be posted on the URI Health Services web page.

Henderson reminds all to continue following the well-established prevention measures for all virus-like and other illnesses, including frequent hand washing; coughing/sneezing etiquette; refraining from touching face (eyes/nose/mouth); social distancing (avoiding those who have symptoms and not attending group events, classes, work if one has symptoms).

Students needing medical advice or assistance can call Health Services at 874-2675. The community may check the University's website established specifically for H1N1 updates: http://www.uri.edu/news/h1n1.html

Community Notices

What you should know about H1N1

The majority of individuals who contract this virus will not need to seek a doctor's treatment. Faculty, staff, and students who are ill with flu should remain at home (or in their room) for 24 hours after they are fever-free (and without medication that would lower temperature). A mild, lingering cough may occur. Barring any other flu symptoms, this cough should not prevent students from returning to class.

If you have been in contact with someone who has the flu, onset of the virus can take up to three days. If you experience any flu symptoms within this time period, please stay home to limit the spread of the virus. If you are pregnant or if you have a chronic medical condition such as diabetes, cancer, asthma, heart or lung problems, or a weakened immune system, you should consult with your physician or campus health services.

Members of the university community are advised to visit the following websites for information on prevention, self care, treatment and the status of local and national efforts to address the disease:

What to have on campus

Students on and off-campus should have these supplies:

  • personal thermometer (non-mercurial)
  • tissues
  • hand soap and alcohol sanitizer
  • disinfectant wipes
  • possibly a small package of surgical masks

These items are important to your wellbeing and will be especially useful if the flu starts circulating on campus.

Prevention

It is important for all faculty, staff, and students to take the following flu/respiratory disease precautions:

  • Avoid close contact with people who are sick. When you are sick, keep your distance from others to protect them from getting sick too. Do not share drinks, utensils, cigarettes, etc.
  • If possible, stay home from work, school, and errands when you are sick. You will help prevent others from catching your illness.
  • Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing. It may prevent those around you from getting sick. Throw used tissues in the trash.person washing hands
  • Wash your hands with soap and water frequently, particularly after you sneeze, or use an alcohol-based hand gel.
  • Germs are often spread when a person touches something that is contaminated with germs and then touches his or her eyes, nose, or mouth.
  • Get plenty of sleep, be physically active, manage your stress, drink plenty of fluids, and eat nutritious food.

As this is not a gastrointestinal viral infection similar to the norovirus, intensive cleaning for food facilities (beyond normal cleaning) is not needed.

Medication and Vaccinations

Generally, Tamiflu is prescribed for individuals with flu who are either hospitalized, have a chronic medical condition (as listed above, under Treatment and Response), or have a suppressed immune system. Tamiflu for influenza is not a cure, although it can reduce symptoms and decrease length of recovery time by about 24 hours. More information will be available in the coming weeks regarding how and when the H1N1 vaccine will be given.