INFLUENZA A (H1N1) UPDATE
Elizabeth Downing, M.D.
Director, Student Health
University Physician
To the UCSB Community:
We are writing to update you on the steps UC Santa Barbara is taking to help the campus cope with the impact of the H1N1 flu virus (also known as swine flu).
Novel H1N1 pandemic flu is now widespread throughout the world. Fortunately, the vast majority of cases continue to be mild and, at this point,
in the healthy young adult population, the H1N1 virus appears no more virulent or severe than most seasonal flu. This strain does seem to be more frequent in children and young adults because those who are younger than 50 years of age have not yet had contact with a similar type of this virus and lack immunity.
Cases of novel H1N1 have already appeared on most college campuses, and since May, we have seen multiple cases of H1N1 flu at UCSB.
We we are now seeing increased numbers this fall, consistent with what is happening in communities and colleges throughout the U.S;
at this writing, an estimated 5-10% of the student body has been affected. We strongly encourage all members of the UCSB community to take the standard precautions adopted during the flu season—and to play an active role in our public health prevention efforts.
For many years, UCSB has had emergency plans in place to address wide-ranging campus issues and health concerns. We have extended these preparedness efforts in order to respond to the H1N1 pandemic. Our emergency response teams receive regular input from the Santa Barbara Public Health Department and include members from Student Health, Environmental Health and Safety, Student Affairs, Academic Senate, Human Resources, Public Affairs, and many others. We will continue to meet regularly and on an as needed basis as this pandemic progresses.
Classes and Activities
Classes and other activities at UCSB will proceed as scheduled this quarter. The emergency response team will monitor the campus situation, working with the Santa Barbara County Public Health Department (SBCPHD), and will make recommendations regarding changes in or cancellations of campus activities depending on the nature of any flu outbreak. Faculty and staff
have been counseled to adopt more liberal policies regarding increased absenteeism this fall. The chancellor, with guidance from the university physician and the director of the SBCPHD, will make any decisions regarding the cancellation of classes. Any such decision will be communicated broadly to faculty, students, and staff through email and other communications.
Public Health Precautions
It is important for all faculty, staff, and students take the following flu/respiratory disease precautions:
- Avoid, as much as possible, contact with ill persons
- Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue or your sleeve/elbow when you cough or sneeze; avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth
- Discard used tissues in the trash
- Do not share food, drink, or utensils and
avoid kissing if ill
- Wash your hands with soap and water frequently and thoroughly—particularly after you cough or sneeze—or use an alcohol-based hand gel
As this is not a gastrointestinal viral infection, intensive cleaning of food facilities (beyond normal cleaning) is not necessary
Treatment and Response
The great majority of individuals who contract this virus will not need to seek
medical treatment. Faculty, staff, and students who are ill with flu should
remain at home (or in their room) for 24 hours after they are free from fever
(less than 100.0 degrees 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. Some people with influenza
will not have fever; therefore, for these students, we are recommending staying
away from others until 3-5 days after onset of illness when sneezing and
coughing have decreased. We are allowing
students who are ill with flu to remain in campus housing with instructions to
self-isolate. Healthy students are encouraged to maintain a distance of 6 feet
from ill roommates/students. Dining Services is arranging take-out food and
delivery for self-isolated students. Flu paks containing over-the-counter
medications, tissues, hand sanitizer, a reusable thermometer and a mask (for use
only when an ill student is temporarily unable to keep apart from others) are available for purchase ($8.00) through Student Health (please see our website for further information)
as well as in all the Residence Halls.
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 health care provider (faculty/staff) or Student Health (students) to see if antiviral medication is needed.
Medication and Vaccinations
Generally, Oseltamivir (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. Oseltamivir (Tamiflu) for influenza is useful only to reduce symptoms and decrease recovery time by about 24 hours if started within the first 2 days of illness.
The following vaccinations are expected to be available fall 2009:
-
Seasonal Flu Vaccine: The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommend
that all students get vaccinated for the seasonal flu. This year, all students
with SHIP coverage are entitled to a seasonal flu shot at no cost. In addition,
courtesy of the Student Fee Advisory Committee, there will be 1000 doses of this
vaccine available to non-SHIP students without charge on a first come, first
serve basis. Please consult the Student Health homepage for the dates and times
of flu shot clinics this fall; at this writing, we continue to have an adequate
supply for students. Unfortunately, because of the need to immunize up to 15,000
students this fall with 2 different vaccines, Student Health will be unable to
provide this service for faculty and staff.
- Novel H1N1 Vaccine: Recent recommendations from the CDC have placed individuals under age 24 in the top priority group for receiving the H1N1 vaccine. More information will be available in the coming weeks regarding how and when this vaccine will be given; please check the Student Health website for updates.
Additional Information
More information on the H1N1 flu is available on the following websites:
Students who have questions may contact the advice nurse at UCSB Student Health at 893-7129. Parents, faculty, and staff are encouraged to call the SBCPHD at 888-SBCoFlu (888-722-6358) for general information regarding H1N1 flu in Santa Barbara and/or contact D’Anna Sandor, assistant to the director of Student Health, at
ucsbflu@sa.ucsb.edu for appropriate triage of specific questions regarding H1N1 flu at UCSB.
Thank you for your efforts to keep all members of the Gaucho Family in good health. Although we can’t eliminate the spread of this virus, our collective efforts can significantly minimize its reach and overall impact.
Sincerely,
Elizabeth Downing, M.D.
University Physician and Director, Student Health
Michael D. Young, Ph.D.
Vice Chancellor, Student Affairs
Additional Resources
Influenza H1N1
Common Cold
Cold vs. Flu
Managing your anxiety about Swine Flu