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H1N1 Influenza Update

From the University's H1N1 Coordinating Committee


September 21, 2009

Thanks to the cooperation of our entire community, the University has not yet experienced a widespread flu outbreak, but our students, faculty and staff should continue to follow the well-publicized prevention procedures. In other parts of the country, many colleges and universities have been affected by the outbreak. At URI, we have no confirmed cases of H1N1, and the H1N1 Coordinating Committee continues to meet regularly and share information daily. In addition, the University has held two online chats with Health Services Director Chad Henderson. We had a high participation rate.

As a reminder, the University is maintaining a website where all updates and transcripts of the chats are posted, http://www.uri.edu/news/h1n1.html.

Since Health Services opened Sept. 6, it has seen 1,506 patients for any number of medical issues, with 32 having flu-like illness, which means a fever in excess of 100 degrees and either a cough or sore throat. The efforts of everyone are critical to sustaining our health and ability to function. So please remember to:

  • Frequently wash or sanitize your hands;
  • Cough or sneeze into a tissue or your elbow;
  • Not touch your face (eyes, nose, mouth) with your hands;
  • Avoid close contact (hugging, shaking/slapping hands, etc) with others;
  • Stay home or self isolate if you feel ill;
  • Not resume activities until fever is 100 degrees or below for 24 hours (without medication);
  • Have patience with other community members who are ill.

    • Working together we can minimize the impact on our Community.

    Thank you, and be well!

    Return to main H1N1 page

    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.