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Novel H1N1 Flu (Swine Flu)



Vaccine Information for NYU employees:

LINKS:

Last updated November 4, 2009

Seasonal flu vaccine continues to be available to all students at the Student Health Center. Our initial allotment of H1N1 vaccine has been exhausted. We anticipate receiving additional H1N1 vaccine within the next several weeks. We will post an announcement to this web page when H1N1 vaccine becomes available.

11/4/09 - Vaccine availability*
Seasonal vaccine: Available
H1N1 vaccine: Unavailable
*Please check the web site daily for availability before coming to walk-in hours.

Message to NYU employees: As has been widely reported, there continues to be a limited supply of H1N1 vaccine throughout the country. NYU's Human Resources Department has been engaged in ongoing discussions with its vendor Health M.A.P., an organization that provides health screenings and seasonal flu vaccines to NYU employees to obtain and administer H1N1 vaccine. However, because of the lack of vaccine availability, no H1N1 vaccination events are currently scheduled for NYU employees.

For employees interested in receiving H1N1 vaccine, the city has made available the following "vaccine locators" which may assist NYU employees in locating sites where they may be able to receive H1N1 vaccine.

When H1N1 vaccine is available to NYU employees, we will notify the community.

One other important reminder: Though the H1N1 flu is at the forefront of people's thought, we should not lose sight of the need to prevent seasonal flu. Seasonal flu vaccine is available in abundance. To register for a free seasonal flu vaccination being offered to NYU employees, go to www.nyu.edu/hr and click on the link under the LiveSmart headline. There are four more dates for the seasonal flu shots which are: November, 4, 5, 18 and 19.

Other flu prevention tips are effective and can be found here.

Since the start of the fall semester, NYU has been experiencing sustained, low-level, influenza activity, consistent with the NYC Department of Health assessments. We continue to monitor activity on a daily basis and we want to reassure the NYU community that plans have been developed and implemented to respond to and possibly decrease the impact of any H1N1 outbreak. President Obama has also declared a national emergency, a proactive measure, to help provide public health authorities greater flexibility in dealing with the H1N1 outbreak. Seasonal flu vaccine is available at the Student Health Center. Our initial supply of H1N1 vaccine has been exhausted. We anticipate receiving additional H1N1 vaccine throughout the next several weeks as the New York City Department of Health continues distributing the H1N1 vaccine.

Consistent with advice from public health authorities, NYU plans to operate the University and fulfill its educational mission during the current flu season, even as we confront H1N1 cases. As members of the NYU community, we have a shared responsibility to one another to reduce the unnecessary spread of flu and infection and to help those at greatest risk for complications to receive support and timely care. There are steps each of us can take to contribute to this overall effort.

While the plan has multiple components, the core strategies include:

  1. The development and dissemination of strong and consistent community health campaigns across campus to encourage good personal hygiene, such as frequent hand washing, use of hand sanitizer, and covering one's cough.
  2. An aggressive vaccination campaign with seasonal flu vaccine for students at the Student Health Center and at the upcoming free events. If available (see availability status above), H1N1 vaccine will be administered during walk-in hours and specific appointments at the Student Health Center, and in accordance with New York City public health guidelines. Staff and faculty have been notified by NYU Human Resources regarding the schedule for free seasonal flu vaccine. Click here for more information.
  3. Helping promote self isolation of ill students. The Student Health Center has readied plans to increase access to students who are mildly ill, primarily by phone or email to avoid unnecessary spread. To accommodate the potential increase in students with moderate levels of illness, more same day appointments will be made available.
  4. Surveillance and monitoring of flu at NYU by senior health and administrative staff at the University to ensure effective communication of information for proactive decision making, especially if social distancing or other more assertive strategies become warranted.
  5. For those individuals at higher risk of complications or for those with moderate to severe illness antiviral medications are available to be prescribed in accordance with current clinical guidelines.

Our H1N1 planning is occurring at all levels of the University. This work has been among our highest priorities since April of 2009 and will remain so.

You should also be aware that among colleges and universities in the New York City area, NYU has been at the forefront in working with public health authorities. While we cannot predict the severity of flu activity, we will do everything we can to provide leadership and communication with the NYU community. We will continue to update the NYU community through this web page as circumstances change.

While we continue to implement our strategies, there are many actions individuals can take to reduce the risk of getting sick. We urge everyone to take the following steps:

  • Cover your mouth when you cough, either with your sleeve or a tissue or handkerchief.
  • Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze. Alcohol-based hand cleaners are also effective.
  • Try to avoid close contact with sick people.
  • If you are sick with fever and either a cough or sore throat, STAY HOME OR IN YOUR ROOM AT THE RESIDENCE HALL for at least 24 hours after your fever is gone without the use of fever-reducing medicine. (Click here for home isolation instructions for persons with fever and cough.)
  • Stay away from clinics and hospitals unless you have severe symptoms, and notify your doctor or the clinic before you arrive, or as soon as you arrive, that you have a fever and respiratory symptoms so that you can be appropriately isolated from others.

If you become ill with influenza-like symptoms such as fever, body aches, cough, runny nose, sore throat, or nausea, you may not need to see a health professional if your symptoms are mild. When in doubt, call your personal health professional or the NYU Student Health Center at (212) 443-1000, or consult the SHC web site at www.nyu.edu/shc for the latest advice and guidance. The vast majority of people who become ill have mild to moderate severity and recover fully in a week or less, without any medical intervention. However, if you are ill with flu and are pregnant or have any chronic illness, please call your personal health professional or the Student Health Center right away.

If you are ill, DO NOT go to class or to work. You should stay home or in your room at the residence hall and avoid contact with other people as much as possible to keep from spreading your illness to others. You should NOT return to work or attend class until your fever is gone for a full day (24 hours) without the use of fever-reducing medicine. This also applies if you plan to use public transportation to return home or travel.

Click here for home isolation instructions for persons with fever and cough.

If you experience any of the following warning signs:

  • Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
  • Pain or pressure in the chest or abdomen
  • Persistent vomiting
  • Sudden dizziness
  • Confusion
  • Flu-like symptoms improve, but then return with fever and worse cough

...seek emergency medical care by calling 911 or NYU Public Safety at (212) 998-2222.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that travelers at high risk for complications from any form of influenza discuss with their physicians the risks and benefits of travel in the context of their planned itinerary, and may want to consider postponing travel. Please consult www.cdc.gov/travel for the latest U.S. travel advisory updates.

Novel H1N1 Flu (Swine Flu) FAQs:


What is novel H1N1 (swine) flu?

Novel H1N1 (referred to as "swine flu" early on) is a new influenza virus causing illness in people. This new virus was first detected in people in the United States in April 2009. This virus is spreading from person-to-person worldwide, probably in much the same way that regular seasonal influenza viruses spread. On June 11, 2009, the World Health Organization (WHO) signaled that a pandemic of novel H1N1 flu was underway.

Why is novel H1N1 virus sometimes called "swine flu?"

This virus was originally referred to as "swine flu" because laboratory testing showed that many of the genes in this new virus were very similar to influenza viruses that normally occur in pigs (swine) in North America. But further study has shown that this new virus is very different from what normally circulates in North American pigs. It has two genes from flu viruses that normally circulate in pigs in Europe and Asia and bird (avian) genes and human genes. Scientists call this a "quadruple reassortant" virus.

Is novel H1N1 virus contagious?

CDC has determined that novel H1N1 virus is contagious and is spreading from human to human.

How does novel H1N1 virus spread?

Spread of novel H1N1 virus is thought to occur in the same way that seasonal flu spreads. Flu viruses are spread mainly from person to person through coughing or sneezing by people with influenza. Sometimes people may become infected by touching something - such as a surface or object - with flu viruses on it and then touching their mouth or nose.

What are the signs and symptoms of this virus in people?

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention defines flu-like illness this way: A fever of 100.0 F or greater, plus a cough or sore throat and possibly other symptoms like runny nose, body aches, headaches, chills, fatigue, vomiting or diarrhea. Fever is often a key factor, although it is not always present with H1N1 flu. If you have the other symptoms listed but have no fever, call your personal health professional or the NYU Student Health Center for advice.

How severe is illness associated with novel H1N1 flu virus?

Illness with the new H1N1 virus has ranged from mild to severe. While most people who have been sick have recovered without needing medical treatment, hospitalizations and deaths from infection with this virus have occurred, especially when there has been a history of chronic illness.

In seasonal flu, certain people are at "high risk" of serious complications. This includes people 65 years and older, children younger than five years old, pregnant women, and people of any age with certain chronic medical conditions. About 70 percent of people who have been hospitalized with this novel H1N1 virus have had one or more medical conditions previously recognized as placing people at "high risk" of serious seasonal flu-related complications. This includes pregnancy, diabetes, heart disease, asthma, and kidney disease.

One thing that appears to be different from seasonal influenza is that adults older than 64 years do not yet appear to be at increased risk of novel H1N1-related complications thus far. CDC laboratory studies have shown that no children and very few adults younger than 60 years old have existing antibody to novel H1N1 flu virus; however, about one-third of adults older than 60 may have antibodies against this virus. It is unknown how much, if any, protection may be afforded against novel H1N1 flu by any existing antibody.

How does novel H1N1 flu compare to seasonal flu in terms of its severity and infection rates?

With seasonal flu, we know that seasons vary in terms of timing, duration and severity. Seasonal influenza can cause mild to severe illness, and at times can lead to death. Each year, in the United States, on average 36,000 people die from flu-related complications and more than 200,000 people are hospitalized from flu-related causes. Of those hospitalized, 20,000 are children younger than 5 years old. Over 90% of deaths and about 60 percent of hospitalization occur in people older than 65.

When the novel H1N1 outbreak was first detected in mid-April 2009, CDC began working with states to collect, compile and analyze information regarding the novel H1N1 flu outbreak, including the numbers of confirmed and probable cases and the ages of these people. The information analyzed by CDC supports the conclusion that novel H1N1 flu has caused greater disease burden in people younger than 25 years of age than older people. At this time, there are few cases and few deaths reported in people older than 64 years old, which is unusual when compared with seasonal flu. However, pregnancy and other previously recognized high risk medical conditions from seasonal influenza appear to be associated with increased risk of complications from this novel H1N1. These underlying conditions include asthma, diabetes, suppressed immune systems, heart disease, kidney disease, neurocognitive and neuromuscular disorders and pregnancy.

How long can an infected person spread this virus to others?

People infected with seasonal and novel H1N1 flu shed virus and may be able to infect others from 1 day before getting sick to 5 to 7 days after. This can be longer in some people, especially children and people with weakened immune systems and in people infected with the new H1N1 virus.

What can I do to protect myself from getting sick?

There is no vaccine available right now to protect against novel H1N1 virus. However, a novel H1N1 vaccine is currently in production and may be ready for the public in the fall. As always, a vaccine will be available to protect against seasonal influenza.

There are everyday actions that can help prevent the spread of germs that cause respiratory illnesses like influenza.

Take these everyday 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. Germs spread this way.
  • Try to avoid close contact with sick people.
  • If you are sick with flu-like illness, CDC recommends that you stay home for at least 24 hours after your fever is gone except to get medical care or for other necessities. (Your fever should be gone without the use of a fever-reducing medicine.) Keep away from others as much as possible to keep from making others sick.

Other important actions that you can take are:

  • Follow public health advice regarding school closures, avoiding crowds, and other social distancing measures.
  • Be prepared in case you get sick and need to stay home for a week or so; a supply of over-the-counter medicines, alcohol-based hand rubs, tissues, and other related items might could be useful and help avoid the need to make trips out in public while you are sick and contagious.

What should I do if I get sick?

If you become ill with influenza-like symptoms such as fever, body aches, cough, runny nose, sore throat, or nausea, you may not need to see a health professional if your symptoms are mild. When in doubt, call your personal health professional or the NYU Student Health Center at (212) 443-1000, or consult the SHC web site at www.nyu.edu/shc for the latest advice and guidance. The vast majority of people who become ill have mild to moderate severity and recover fully in a week or less, without any medical intervention. However, if you are ill with flu and are pregnant or have any chronic illness, please call your personal health professional or the Student Health Center right away.

If you are sick, do not go to class or to work. You should stay home or in your residence hall and avoid contact with other people as much as possible for at least 24 hours after your fever is gone to keep from spreading your illness to others.

Click here for home isolation instructions for persons with fever and cough.

If you experience any of the following warning signs:

  • Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
  • Pain or pressure in the chest or abdomen
  • Sudden dizziness
  • Confusion
  • Severe or persistent vomiting or diarrhea
  • Flu-like symptoms improve but then return with fever and worse cough
... seek emergency medical care by calling 911 or NYU Public Safety at (212) 998-2222.

What should I do if someone I know gets sick?

If you have had close contact with someone who has had influenza and you have a risk factor for complications (shown below), you should consult with your healthcare provider as to whether you should receive preventive treatment. Those risk factors include:

  • Chronic pulmonary, cardiovascular, renal, hepatic, hematological, or metabolic disorders
  • Immunosuppression, including HIV-related or caused by medication
  • Compromised respiratory function, including conditions which increase the risk for aspiration
  • Long-term aspirin therapy
  • Pregnancy
  • Age > 65 years
  • Age < 2 years
  • Residents of nursing homes or other chronic care facilities

Can I get novel H1N1 (swine) influenza from eating or preparing pork?

No. Swine influenza viruses are not spread by food. You cannot get swine influenza from eating pork or pork products. Eating properly handled and cooked pork products is safe.

What do I do if I am feeling anxious about H1N1 flu?

Anxiety is a common reaction to times of increased stress. It is important that you take steps to mange your fears and not panic. There are many things that you can do to cope with anxiety.

  • Keep yourself informed with accurate information. Do not flood yourself with constant TV or news watching.
  • Turn to your family, friends, and loved ones for support, and talk to them about your experiences and feelings.
  • Recognize that what you are feeling is normal.
  • Keep to your usual routine and find ways to relax and be kind to yourself.
  • Avoid alcohol and drug use.

You should get immediate help from a trained mental health professional if you or a loved one is experiencing any one or more of these problems:

  • Inability to return to normal routine
  • Feeling extremely helpless
  • Having thoughts of hurting one’s self or others
  • Using alcohol or drugs excessively

Contact the Wellness Exchange at 212-443-9999 for 24/7 assistance.

For more information about anxiety regarding H1N1 flu, see the American Psychological Association's web page Managing Your Anxiety about H1N1 Flu.

For up to date information about H1N1 flu: