Preparing for H1N1 Virus at Rutgers

August 27, 2009

Members of the Rutgers Community:

Many colleges and universities across the United States are already reporting cases of the H1N1 virus, formerly known as the swine flu. It is likely that some students and others in our community will become ill with the H1N1 virus during the fall semester. For this reason, I wanted to let you know what Rutgers is doing as new and returning students arrive on all our campuses.

Earlier this year, Rutgers assembled a team of health care professionals and administrators to develop a plan for responding to the virus. Over the summer, this group has continued to meet and has maintained regular contact with the state’s health department and the National Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

The majority of individuals who contract this virus will not need to seek a doctor’s treatment and will fully recover after a brief period, according to the CDC. However, students may wish to call University Health Services at their campus for further assistance if they develop flu-like symptoms. A nurse will speak with the student about the symptoms and may encourage that person to see a health care professional in one of our campus health centers. Faculty and staff should seek the advice of their personal physicians.

Although we strongly recommend that students with the flu go home where they will be more comfortable, we recognize that this may not be possible in all circumstances. Students who remain in the residence halls should take precautions to minimize contact with others. Below this message is information prepared by one of the university’s medical professionals outlining precautions, symptoms, and treatment associated with the H1N1 virus.

A vaccine to immunize against the H1N1 virus has been developed and is in production. Current information suggests that the vaccine will be available for distribution in late October. When Rutgers receives the vaccine, we will initiate a vaccination program for students, faculty, and staff at each campus. The vaccine will be distributed free of charge. The vaccine will be administered by two injections 21 days apart. We will provide more information about the vaccination program when we know the date we will receive the vaccine.

Rutgers will continue to work with public health officials and will carefully monitor advice from the CDC about how best to respond to this virus. Please be aware that this is a rapidly changing situation, which means that we may need to make adjustments quickly if circumstances warrant. The university will send updated information as the situation develops.

I am deeply grateful for the efforts that people across the university are contributing to our response to this virus. By working together and supporting one another as we address the challenges we may encounter with the virus in the days ahead, we should have a safe and productive academic year for all our students, faculty, and staff.

Richard L. McCormick
President
Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey

 

H1N1 VIRUS PRECAUTIONS, SYMPTOMS, AND TREATMENT
Prepared by Melodee Lasky, MD, Executive Director, Rutgers–New Brunswick Health Services

PRECAUTIONS

  • Avoid contact with ill persons.
  • Cover your nose and mouth when you cough or sneeze with a tissue or sleeve.
  • Throw used tissues in the trash, then wash your hands.
  • Do not share food, drink, or utensils.
  • Wash your hands with soap and water frequently—particularly after you sneeze—or use an alcohol-based hand gel.

NOVEL H1N1 FLU SYMPTOMS

  • Fever above 100ºF
  • Cough and/or sore throat, sometimes runny nose
  • Body aches, headache, chills, fatigue
  • Diarrhea and vomiting may also be experienced

TREATMENT AND RESPONSE

  • The majority of individuals who contract this virus will not need to seek a doctor’s treatment. However, students with concerns and questions may contact Health Services at their campus for advice or examination.
  • Anyone who experiences difficulty breathing, pain in chest or abdomen, confusion, or a return of fever and cough after resolution of initial flu symptoms should seek urgent medical care.
  • Students who are ill with the flu should preferably go home. Those students who decide to stay in the residence halls should practice social distancing by keeping about 6 feet away from others and going out only for essential services.
  • Students may return to normal activities when they have been fever-free for 24 hours (without the aid of medications). A mild, lingering cough may occur. Barring any other flu symptoms, this cough should not prevent students from returning to class.
  • If the student is pregnant or has a chronic medical condition such as diabetes, cancer, asthma, heart or lung problems, or a weakened immune system, health services should be contacted.

SELF-CARE FOR THE FLU

  • Keep well hydrated by drinking fluids and keep nourished with simple foods such as soups.
  • Treat symptoms of fever and body aches with acetaminophen or ibuprofen.
  • Throat lozenges and decongestants may be useful for sore throat and congestion.
  • Self-care items for the flu: thermometer, alcohol-based hand sanitizer, acetaminophen or ibuprofen, throat lozenges, cough medicine, decongestant, and soft tissues.

MEDICATION AND VACCINATIONS

  • Antiviral agents such as Tamiflu are indicated for individuals with the flu who are either hospitalized, have a chronic medical condition, or have a suppressed immune system. Tamiflu for influenza is not a cure—it only reduces symptoms and decreases length of recovery time by about 24 hours.
  • Seasonal Flu Vaccine: The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommend that students get vaccinated for the seasonal flu. Seasonal flu vaccinations will be available through Health Services early this fall.
  • Novel H1N1 Vaccine: Recent recommendations from the CDC have placed individuals under age 24 in one of the priority groups for receiving the H1N1 vaccine. This vaccine will be available free of charge, but is not mandatory. Limited quantities of the vaccine may begin to be available in late October. More information will be available in the coming weeks regarding how and when this vaccine will be given. Our plans for giving the vaccine are evolving and we must comply with federal, state, and county guidelines.

Richard L. McCormick
President
Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey