Flu Information

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

About the virus itself

• What is H1N1 influenza?
  H1N1 influenza is a new or "novel" flu virus of swine origin. It surfaced in spring 2009 and has continued to spread through the United States and internationally. Currently, public health officials believe the illness is "mild" with symptoms similar to seasonal flu. However, like seasonal flu there have been fatalities of healthy individuals as well as those with chronic underlying illness.
• What are the signs and symptoms of infection?
  Signs of H1N1 influenza are flu-like symptoms, including fever of 100 degrees Fahrenheit (38 degrees Centigrade) or higher and cough or sore throat; headaches, body aches, chills, runny nose, fatigue, vomiting or diarrhea may also occur.
• How is this type of influenza spread?
  The virus is spread from person-to-person. It is transmitted as easily as the normal seasonal flu and can be passed to other people by exposure to infected droplets expelled by coughing or sneezing that can be inhaled, or that can contaminate hands or surfaces.
• Which groups have been more adversely affected by H1N1?
  H1N1 influenza has adversely affected children, young adults, obese individuals, people with chronic illnesses and pregnant women. Although the CDC is reporting that the disease is presently classified as “mild,” there have been hospitalizations and deaths in young people from H1N1.

About H1N1 flu at Williams

• How can I prevent myself from getting H1N1?
  
  1. Frequent hand washing with soap and warm water for the period of time it takes to sing Happy Birthday twice.
  2. Frequent hand sanitizing — carry a bottle of this with you and keep one on your desk or in your room.
  3. Avoid touching face, eyes, and mouth.
  4. Wipe down surfaces, doorknobs, common keyboards and phones with disinfectant wipes.
  5. Avoid sick people — stay at least 6 feet from anyone who is sick — change your seat if you need to.
  6. Wash your hands and face before you have contact with infants, children or people with chronic illnesses.
  7. STAY HOME AND AWAY FROM CAMPUS IF YOU ARE SICK!
  8. Wash all fresh vegetables and fruit well (they may have been touched by someone who was sick).
  9. Use disinfectant wipe for the handle of supermarket cart in grocery store.
  10. Do not share drinks, food, utensils, lipstick, chapstick or smoking materials.
  11. Get vaccinated.
  12. Seek medical care if you are sick!
• What will happen if a student needs to be isolated from campus?
  tba
• What if I am exposed to someone who has H1N1 influenza — should I stay home from school or work?
  At this time, the Massachusetts Department of Public Health does not recommend any work or classroom restrictions for someone who has been exposed to someone with influenza. The exposed persons should monitor their health and if any symptoms of flu develop, should isolate themselves from others immediately and seek advice from their health care provider.
• What if a student misses classes or campus programs because of illness?
  tba
• Will there be vaccination clinics on campus?
  tba
• What prevention measures have been taken?
  tba

RESOURCES

Centers for Disease Control

The most up-to-date information can be found on the CDC’s 2009 H1H1 Flu (Swine Flu) page. This includes a weekly situation update for cases in the U.S., information on the virus itself, prevention and treatment advice, and information for specific groups such as caregivers, pregnant women, students and travelers.

Other H1N1 Information Sources