H1N1 Influenza (Swine Flu)

Update: Oct. 22, 2009

Nationally, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that influenza activity is increasing in the United States with most states reporting widespread influenza activity, including significant cases in Wisconsin. Since Sept. 1, there have been 53 hospitalizations due to H1N1 virus infection in Wisconsin.  The Student Health Center has seen a significant increase in patients with H1N1 this week but no known hospitalizations.

Everyone is encouraged to follow good hygiene precautions such as hand washing, covering their cough/sneeze with their sleeve or a tissue and staying home when ill. Anyone with influenza-like symptoms should self-isolate and not return to school/work until free of a fever for 24 hours (without taking medication). You should see a doctor if your temperature is above 102 degrees, fever for more than three days, worsening cough, shortness of breath, or chest pain. For the usual symptoms of muscle aches, headaches, sore throat, fever, and cough, students can self treat and do not need to see a doctor. “Flu Kits” are available from the Health Advocates in the residence halls or at the Student Health Center for $2. Students need to email their professors when they have missed class because of illness.

The medication Tamiflu is usually prescribed to treat influenza only for individuals with chronic conditions such as diabetes, asthma, heart problems, lung disease, or compromised immune systems. Young healthy individuals will recover without Tamiflu. This medication only shortens the flu symptoms by 24 hours and may cause stomach upset.

There are no more seasonal influenza vaccines available at almost all health facilities in our area. It maybe shipped again in December. The Student Health Center is now getting some supplies of the H1N1 vaccine. It is available in both the injectable and the nasal types. Higher-risk students or health care workers can get the vaccine now at the Student Health Center at no charge.

The UW Oshkosh Student Health Center is planning an H1N1 vaccine clinic for early November. Dates and times will be announced as soon as our shipment of vaccine arrives. The hope is to have 2,000 doses of vaccine available for the student community.

The vaccine may be available at other health facilities in the area. Students and faculty can call 211 to find out where other vaccination clinics are being held or online at    http://wisconsinfluclinic.info/

If you have further questions, e-mail pandemicresponse@uwosh.edu or call the Student Health Center at 424-2424.

H1N1 Update: Sept. 22, 2009

 With the new academic year well underway, the University of Wisconsin Oshkosh Student Health Center has seen a number of students experiencing mild influenza-like illnesses. Since we first saw the virus in our community last April, the Student Health Center has tested suspected cases of H1N1. However, due to the lower-than-desirable reliability of this test and upon recommendations of Wisconsin public health officials, general testing for influenza virus was discontinued this week. The Student Health Center will be diagnosing by evaluating the student’s symptoms and by performing an examination. Laboratory or X-ray studies will be ordered if indicated. This approach is consistent with what other healthcare providers are doing throughout the state.

Within the past few days, the Student Health Center has seen a number of influenza-like illnesses that are most likely the H1N1 virus. Though at this time the number of suspected cases is relatively small, it is important for us to remind the campus community about the virus, symptoms, treatment recommendations, ways to minimize the spread of the virus, and personal care including hand washing.

Treatment recommendations for an individual, whether with a suspected or confirmed H1N1 case, are similar to that of any influenza, with an emphasis on self-isolation. The University’s H1N1 resource Web site and the Student Health Center’s site, provides updates and addresses issues and questions about H1N1 and other respiratory viruses.

As the situation continues to evolve regarding the prevention and treatment for H1N1, we will continue to provide you with the latest updates and health guidance. Should you have questions or concerns, you can also e-mail pandemicresponse@uwosh.edu

Update: Sept. 2, 2009

As the state’s third largest university drawing from a student population across the state, the institution continues to closely monitor H1N1 virus developments across the state as well as internationally. UW Oshkosh’s Pandemic Response Team, comprised of representatives from the health center, student affairs, residence life, administrative services and academic affairs, are continually reviewing the situation and the institution’s pandemic response plan to determine and activate the necessary precautions and health best practices to ensure the health and safety of the campus community, including the campus-wide distribution of the hygiene poster campaign; distribution of hand sanitizers to all high-traffic areas and entrances to residence halls; and residence life staff training updates regarding proactive measures to safeguard community health.

The campus community will be notified of any changes to University operations via e-mail, the University’s Web site (www.uwosh.edu/home/h1n1), and the media as well as text messaging via TitanAlerts. To register for TitanAlert, visit www.uwosh.edu/home/titanalert.

The decision as to whether or not close public institutions rests with local health authorities.

Public Health Precautions
The UW Oshkosh Student Health Center, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/swineflu_you.htm), and the Wisconsin Pandemic Flu Resource Office (http://pandemic.wisconsin.gov) advise the following steps to protect your health:

• Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it.

• Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze. Alcohol-based hand cleaners are also effective.

• Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth to reduce the potential spread of viruses such as influenza.

• Try to avoid close contact with people who are ill.

• If you get symptoms of influenza (fever, cough, body aches, sore throat, vomiting or diarrhea), stay home from work or school and limit your contact with others. If you are feeling ill, you are encouraged to coordinate arrangements with your supervisor and/or professor to remain at home to help reduce further transmissions.

Treatment and Response
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 the flu should remain at home (or in their room) for 24 hours after they are fever-free (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 the Student Health Center to see if Tamiflu is 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, and it only reduces symptoms and decreases length of recovery time by about 24 hours.  

The following vaccinations are expected to be available this fall 2009:

• Seasonal Flu Vaccine: The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommend that all students get vaccinated for the seasonal flu. This vaccine will be available for students at the health center or during a flu clinic for $10. Employees may also get the shot for $20. Go to the Student Health Center’s Web site for the seasonal flu clinic schedule in September and October. (www.uwosh.edu/health_center)

• H1N1 Vaccine: Recent recommendations from the CDC have placed individuals under age 24 in the top priority group for receiving the H1N1 vaccine. The vaccine is not yet available. Expected distribution will be in late October. More information will be available in the coming weeks regarding how and when this vaccine will be given.

Additional Information
More information on the H1N1 flu is available on the following Web sites:

• UW Oshkosh H1N1 site: www.uwosh.edu/home/h1n1

• Center for Disease Control: www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/qa.htm

• Winnebago County Public Health Department:  www.co.winnebago.wi.us/health

Questions can be e-mailed to the university’s Pandemic Response Team at: Pandemicresponse@uwosh.edu.

It is natural for some members of the campus community to experience an increase in anxiety during situations like this. Proactively planning for emergencies is always a good idea. To find out how you can prepare, visit www.bt.cdc.gov/preparedness. There are also campus resources available to assist:

• Student Counseling Center: www.uwosh.edu/couns_center

• Employee Assistance Program: www.uwosh.edu/eap

Thank you for your efforts to keep all members of the UW Oshkosh community in good health.  Although we can't eliminate the spread of this virus, our collective efforts can significantly minimize its reach and overall impact.

H1N1 Update: 9/11/09

H1N1 Update: 5/26/09

 
The University of Wisconsin Oshkosh has been notified by the Wisconsin State Lab of Hygiene that two additional students have confirmed cases of H1N1 influenza. This makes for a total of three confirmed H1N1 cases among our students. In both of the newly confirmed cases, the individuals do not live on campus, are not attending interim classes and are unrelated. Appropriate measures have been taken to treat and isolate these individuals.
 
The University will continue to monitor the situation. In the meantime, additional information and campus updates will be posted here.
 
The University encourages individuals to monitor for influenza symptoms and seek medical attention as appropriate. For more information, visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention  or the Wisconsin Pandemic Flu Resource Office.

Important Update: H1N1 virus (swine flu) 5/21/09

The University of Wisconsin Oshkosh was notified by the Department of Public Health late this morning that a student tested positive for the H1N1 influenza virus. The student has returned home for the recommended period of isolation and treatment. Those who may have had direct contact with the student also were notified.

The University, in conjunction with the local Department of Public Health and the Student Health Center, will continue to monitor the situation. At this time, however, the University does not anticipate a change to operations and will continue with “business as usual” for UW Oshkosh. 

Students with flu-like symptoms should contact UW Oshkosh Student Health Center or their regular health care provider for testing. University faculty and staff with flu-like symptoms should contact their personal health care provider.If prescription medicines are to be effective, they must be taken within 48 hours of the onset of symptoms.

The UW Oshkosh Student Health Center, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/swineflu_you.htm), and the Wisconsin Pandemic Flu Resource Office (http://pandemic.wisconsin.gov) advise the following steps to protect your health:

• Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it. 
• Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze. Alcohol-based hand cleaners are also effective. 
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth to reduce the potential spread of viruses such as influenza. 
• Try to avoid close contact with sick people. 
• If you get symptoms of influenza (fever, cough, body aches, sore throat, vomiting or diarrhea), stay home from work or school except to seek medical care, and limit your contact with others. If you are feeling ill, you are encouraged to coordinate arrangements with your supervisor and/or professor to remain at home, seek medical assistance and limit contact with others to help reduce further transmissions.

As the H1N1 is a new virus, it is unknown at this time how severe the outbreak will be in comparison with seasonal influenza viruses. It is expected that the number of cases will continue to grow. It is reassuring that although the H1N1 flu continues to spread quickly, the mortality rates are very low and typical of seasonal flu. 

As the state’s third largest university drawing from a student population across the state, the institution continues to closely monitor of H1N1 virus developments across the state as well as internationally. UW Oshkosh’s Pandemic Response Team, comprised of representatives from the health center, student affairs, residence life, administrative services and academic affairs, are continually reviewing the situation and the institution’s pandemic response plan to determine and activate the necessary precautions and health best practices to ensure the health and safety of the campus community, including the campus-wide distribution of the hygiene poster campaign; distribution of hand sanitizers to all high-traffic areas and entrances to residence halls; and residence life staff training updates regarding proactive measures to safeguard community health.

The campus community will be notified of any changes to University operations via e-mail, the University’s Web site (http://www.uwosh.edu/home/h1n1/), and the media as well as text messaging via TitanAlerts. To register for TitanAlert, visit http://www.uwosh.edu/home/titanalert  

Communication Updates

Any changes to University operations will be sent to the campus community via e-mail, posted on the University’s Web site (http://www.uwosh.edu/home/h1n1/), distributed via the media and sent out via the TitanAlerts text messaging system. To register for TitanAlert, visit http://www.uwosh.edu/home/titanalert.

The decision as to whether or not close public institutions rests with local health authorities.

It is natural for some members of the campus community to experience an increase in anxiety during situations like this. Proactively planning for emergencies is always a good idea. To find out how you can prepare, visit http://emergency.cdc.gov/planning. There also are campus resources available to assist:

Student Health Center: http://www.uwosh.edu/health_center
Student Counseling Center: http://www.uwosh.edu/couns_center
Employee Assistance Program: http://www.uwosh.edu/eap

We will continue to monitor the situation and provide the campus community with updates. For updated information, visit http://www.uwosh.edu/home/h1n1.