Update...
October 21, 2009
There has been a slight increase in influenza-like illness (fever and cough and/or sore throat) during the past week in the URI community, according to Chad Henderson, director of URI Health Services and co-chair of the URI H1N1 Coordinating Committee.
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).
The Rhode Island Department of Health has informed University that it will not receive H1N1 vaccine until sometime in December. Also, Health Services has no seasonal flu vaccine and does not anticipate any being available in the near future. Any vaccine availability will be posted on the URI Health Services web page and the University's h1n1 site.
So anyone who has flu symptoms should remember to hydrate, get sleep, and stay away from others until they have had no fever for 24 hours. Individuals who experience increased heart rate, difficulty breathing, chest pain, confusion, severe or persistent vomiting, or have an underlying medical condition should consult their physician.
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
"Again, we are doing well in dealing with the flu situation as a community. Thank you for your efforts on behalf of everyone," Henderson said.
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.
- 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.
