Centers for Disease Control (CDC) H1N1 information Rutgers-Newark Health Services Rutgers University H1N1 information

What You Can Do to Stay Healthy

• Wash hands frequently with soap and water or use a hand sanitizer, dispensers are available in most campus buildings and the lobbies of all residence halls.
• Sneeze or cough into tissues or clothing. Keep tissues handy, and dispose after using.
• Eat healthy foods, drink plenty of water and get plenty of rest.
• Avoid contact with those who are sick.
• Use anti-bacterial wipes to clean surfaces, especially door handles, sink, vanity and bathroom areas on a regular basis.
• Do not share drinking cups.

As of today, November 16, the Rutgers-Newark campus has 17 confirmed cases of flu, most likely caused by the H1N1 virus. While not all flu symptoms are reported and tested here, we expect that there are additional cases of flu among our students, faculty and staff.

For cases that are brought to the attention of Health Services, patients are sent home to recover. In the rare instance where that is not possible, Rutgers provides isolated housing within our residence halls.

Students who feel ill are encouraged to contact Student Health Services. A phone triage has been setup to provide medical advice on how to proceed, this addresses students who need urgent attention as well as stable ones who can be sent home.

All members of the campus community are strongly encouraged to continue to practice safety precautions (see below) and to obtain flu vaccinations from the Rutgers-Newark Health Services. Please call Health Services for information on vaccination: 973-353-5231.

Please continue to visit this website for updates.

1. ABOUT NOVEL H1N1 FLU VIRUS
Novel H1N1 (“swine flu”) is a new influenza virus causing human illness. This new virus was first detected in the U.S. in the spring of this year. This virus is spreading from person-to-person worldwide. On June 11, 2009, the World Health Organization (WHO) signaled that a pandemic of novel H1N1 flu was underway.

H1N1 is now widespread throughout the U.S. Based on currently available information, pandemic H1N1 influenza causes an illness similar in severity to seasonal influenza (“regular flu”) and is spread in the same ways.

Influenza is spread mainly person-to-person through coughing or sneezing of infected people. The symptoms include fever, cough, sore throat, body aches, headache, chills and fatigue. Some people have also reported diarrhea and vomiting associated with pandemic H1N1 flu.

It is important for all of us to understand that H1N1 can be a serious and deadly influenza. State and federal health officials report the swine flu has disproportionately targeted teenagers and young adults and schools and campuses are likely to experience outbreaks. Officials report that a vaccine will become available this fall, possibly as early as mid-October.

At this time (Sept. 1, 2009) Rutgers University in Newark has no confirmed cases of infected students and is operating on a normal schedule.

However, it is vital that we do everything we can to contain any potential cases of the virus that may appear in the next couple months, especially until a vaccine is available. To continue to keep our campus safe and healthy, we ask that all faculty, staff, and students follow the advice and guidance below.

• Health Service Message for the Newark Community
• Centers for Disease Control (CDC) H1N1 information
• Rutgers-Newark Health Services
• Message from Rutgers President McCormick

2. WHAT YOU CAN DO TO REDUCE OR PREVENT SPREAD OF H1N1 FLU ON CAMPUS
The top five healthy practices identified below will serve to prevent or reduce the incidence of the H1N1 virus:

• As soon as possible, get a regular seasonal flu shot, and an H1N1 flu shot when available.
• Wash your hands frequently with soap and water or using a hand sanitizer, which is available in every building on campus.
• Sneeze or cough into tissues or clothing.  Bring tissues into class with you, and dispose after using.
• Eat healthy foods, drink plenty of water and get plenty of rest.
• Avoid contact with those who are sick.

If you are already on campus or in class, call the health center immediately (973 353-5231 ext. 0) for an evaluation before you enter or return to class or to an area where other people are located. Alternatively you may leave campus and seek medical attention from home.

4. WHAT TO DO IF YOU HAVE BEEN DIAGNOSED WITH H1N1 FLU
Persons who are sick with H1N1 must go home and remain isolated until 24 hours after you have recovered, except to get medical attention. People with this disease may transmit the virus and infect others from one day before getting sick to 5 – 7 days after. The time could be longer for people with higher risk such as children and people with a weakened immune systems. For guidance on home care, refer to the CDC site on this topic. If you are a resident student and not able to go home, contact the housing and residence life office immediately for guidance.

5. WHAT RUTGERS NEWARK IS DOING TO REDUCE OR PREVENT SPREAD OF H1N1 AND SEASONAL FLU ON CAMPUS

• Created cross unit committee to meet regularly and develop effective campus protocols
• Monitoring and reviewing guidance from local, state and federal agencies
• Communicating with other campuses within the state
• Communicating with faculty, staff and students through broadcast emails
• Maintaining updated web page with access to health advisories
• Messaging campaign on campus with reminders of healthy practices
• Ensuring extensive cleaning of buildings, labs and residence halls
• Maintaining adequate supplies (i.e., diagnosis kits, gloves, surgical masks, soap powder and hand sanitizers)
• Ensuring a hand sanitizer in every building near elevators

6. Q & A ON THE H1N1 VIRUS
click here

IMPORTANT LINKS

Rutgers-Newark Health Services (973)353-5231	Rutgers-Newark emergency information	Dept. of Public Safety (973)353-5581
Dept. of Human Resources (973)353-5500	Office of Student and Community Affairs (973)353-5541 or 3343	Office of Communications (973)353-5262

This site will be updated periodically and as the situation warrants.
Copyright 2009 Rutgers University, Newark
Contact: occ@andromeda.rutgers.edu