H1N1 Flu FAQ
Click a link to go directly to a section of questions and answers.
- General questions
- Students
- Parents & families
- Faculty & instructors
- Staff
- Managers
- Visitors
- Contacts
General questions
Q: Is H1N1 flu vaccine available at UC San Diego?
A: We expect to receive the first deliveries of H1N1 flu vaccine in late October or early November. Depending on quantities received and other variables, we may be able to offer vaccine to students, faculty, and staff on a variety of dates and locations around campus. Announcements regarding the H1N1 flu vaccine will be posted on this site at http://ucsd.edu/flu.
Q: What is H1N1 flu?
A: 2009 H1N1 flu is a new strain of swine flu that hasn’t been seen before in the United States or elsewhere in the world.
Q: How did this strain of flu start?
A: Investigations are ongoing, but so far we don’t yet know the origin of 2009 H1N1. It appears to be a mix of several flu strains.
Q: Why is there so much concern about this flu?
A: We have flu in U.S. communities throughout the year, especially during the flu season. Annually, about 35,000 people die from seasonal flu. But the 2009 H1N1 flu is a new strain, which means people have not yet built up immunity to it, and we don’t have a vaccine to protect against it. Also, because it is new, health officials can’t yet predict how people will physically respond to it.
Q: How severe is illness associated with this flu?
A: Overall, the disease has been mild, and most people who have been sick have recovered without needing medical treatment. However, hospitalizations and deaths from infection with this virus have occurred.
Q: How does 2009 H1N1 flu compare to seasonal flu in its severity and infection rates?
A: The severity of seasonal flu varies from year to year, can cause mild to severe illness, and can sometimes lead to death. Each year, an average of 36,000 people in the United States die from flu-related complications, and more than 200,000 people are hospitalized from flu-related causes. The majority of deaths (about 90%) and about 60% of hospitalizations occur in people older than 65. Many children under age 5 are also hospitalized because of influenza. However, data gathered by the CDC indicates that H1N1 appears to cause more disease in people younger than 25 years of age than in older people. At this time, there are few cases and few deaths reported in people older than 64, which is unusual compared with seasonal flu. However, pregnancy and other previously recognized high-risk medical conditions from seasonal influenza may be associated with an increased chance of having severe illness resulting from H1N1 infection.
Q: How does 2009 H1N1 flu spread?
A: Health officials believe it spreads like the regular seasonal flu. 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.
Q: How long are people contagious?
A: We believe infected people are contagious beginning 1 day before symptoms occur and up to 7 days after becoming sick, or until the symptoms are gone.
Q: Have there been any cases of H1N1 at UCSD?
A: Although the Public Health Department is no longer testing for H1N1 except in hospitalized cases, most flu-like illness during this summer is believed to be H1N1. So far, we have had a small but steady number of students with flu-like symptoms; none has become seriously ill.
Q: Who are the main points of contact for flu-related questions?
A: Students can contact Student Health Service, (858) 534-3300. Recorded basic flu advice is available at this number. If you need more advice, there is an option to speak with a registered nurse. After business hours, this option will take you to an after hours nursing advice service. The nurse can answer questions and help you determine any action that may be needed for symptoms you’re experiencing. Students can monitor TritonLink and the Student Health Services Web site for updates. Faculty and staff should monitor Blink. Updates are also posted on the UCSD home page and the Parents & Families and Visitors sites.
This site, http://ucsd.edu/flu, has an easy-to-remember URL and links to all the sources above.
Q: What can we do to prevent 2009 H1N1 flu?
A: Wash your hands often. Stay home if you are sick and limit contact with others. Cover coughs and sneezes with your arm or a tissue, not with your hand. Avoid close contact with sick people. Get vaccinated when the H1N1 vaccine is available.
Q: Is treatment available to people who are sick with this flu?
A: Yes, there are antiviral medications that can be used. Your health care provider, who follows guidelines from the federal government, makes decisions on the type of medication to use when treatment is needed. In general, antiviral medication is only prescribed for those who are very ill (for example, have pneumonia or need hospitalization) or have conditions that put them at high risk* for complications of the flu.
*High-risk persons include: persons 65 or older, children younger than 5, pregnant women, children on long-term aspirin therapy, persons with an immunosuppressive condition or who are taking immunosuppressive medication, and persons with certain chronic medical conditions including cardiac, pulmonary, renal, liver, hematologic, metabolic, or neurologic/ neuromuscular disease.
Q: What should I do if I feel like I have the flu?
A: H1N1 flu is characterized by fever, cough, sore throat, and stuffy nose. Persons with this illness may also have muscle aches, chills, headache, and/or an upset digestive system. Treat these symptoms as you would any other flu: Drink plenty of liquids, take over-the-counter fever/pain medication as directed, stay home, and get plenty of rest. If you are at high risk* for complications of influenza, OR if your symptoms are not improving over 4-5 days after first becoming ill, or are becoming more severe (having difficulty breathing, severe vomiting and/or diarrhea, extreme weakness or confusion), you should seek medical care.
To avoid infecting others, we advise that you stay home for 24 hours after your fever is gone (and you are no longer taking anti-fever medications), and your other symptoms are mostly resolved.
*High-risk persons include: persons 65 or older, children younger than 5, pregnant women, children on long-term aspirin therapy, persons with an immunosuppressive condition or taking immunosuppressive medication, and persons with certain chronic medical conditions including cardiac, pulmonary, renal, liver, hematologic, metabolic, or neurologic/ neuromuscular disease.
Q: How can I safeguard against germs when I share a bathroom with others?
A: H1N1 is spread by touching droplets from an infected person’s cough or sneeze, then touching your hand to your face. In communal bathrooms, avoid setting your toothbrush or other personal hygiene items directly on a counter; put a paper towel down first. Be sure to wash your hands well before you touch your face and as the last stop on your way out of the bathroom.
Q: How can I get the most up-to-date information about H1N1 flu at UCSD?
A: All updates are being posted in one location, at http://ucsd.edu/flu.
Students
Q: How can I get vaccinated?
A: Seasonal flu vaccine (both shots and nasal flu mist) are available at UCSD's Student Health Service. The H1N1 vaccine has been ordered, and we are awaiting its arrival. We anticipate being able to offer it by late October. Check the Student Health Service Web site for more information about H1N1 vaccine availability and clinics.
Q: Should I go to class if I have flu symptoms?
A: If you have flu symptoms, you should stay home or in your dorm room for 24 hours after your fever is gone (and you are no longer taking anti-fever medications), and your other symptoms are mostly resolved. Be sure to communicate with your professors and teaching assistants if you’re missing class because of flu. It’s possible that they can send assignments to you or post lecture notes so you can keep up with your coursework.
Q: When should I seek medical attention?
A: If you are at high risk* for complications of influenza, OR if symptoms are severe (having difficulty breathing, severe vomiting and/or diarrhea, extreme dizziness or confusion), or not improving over 4-5 days after first becoming ill, you should seek medical care at Student Health Service, with a local doctor, or at an urgent-care facility. Otherwise, you should stay home for at least 24 hours after your fever is gone (and you are no longer taking anti-fever medications such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen). If you need to speak to an Urgent Care nurse for further advice, call Student Health Service, (858) 534-3302, during clinic hours, or their main phone line, (858) 534- 3300, for the after- hours nurse advice line.
*High risk persons include: persons 65 or older, children younger than 5, pregnant women, children on long-term aspirin therapy, persons with an immunosuppressive condition or taking immunosuppressive medication, and persons with certain chronic medical conditions including cardiac, pulmonary, renal, liver, hematologic, metabolic, or neurologic/ neuromuscular disease.
Q: How do I get help if I am sick?
A: Student Health Service has "get well kits" that you can purchase for $5 at the College Stores, residence halls, and Student Health Service. Some kits will be available during move-in day for the residence halls. Dining Services has also put together meals for ill students. You may want to ask friends or your RA for assistance in picking up assignments, get well kits, or meals. You can also contact a "flu buddy" volunteer by sending an email to flubuddy@ucsd.edu.
Q: Where can I get vaccinated against influenza?
A: Student Health Service has seasonal influenza vaccine available now. This protects against regular seasonal flu only. H1N1 vaccine is expected in mid-October and will protect against the H1N1 influenze only. We plan to have flu vaccine clinics set up at various locations around campus. See the SHS Web site for the most up-to-date information regarding flu vaccine availability.
Parents & families
Q: What should I do if my student is sick with flu symptoms and wants to come home?
A: To avoid infecting others, we advise that students stay home until their fever is gone and other symptoms are mostly resolved. Students can either stay in their rooms or apartments in San Diego, or they can return home. If your student decides to come home, it's best to transport the student in a private car to minimize the exposure to others.
Q: What if I think my student needs medical attention?
A: Your student can call Student Health Service, (858) 534-3300, to find out if an office visit is recommended. If students are at high risk* for complications of influenza, OR if symptoms are not improving over 4-5 days after first becoming ill or are becoming more severe (having difficulty breathing, severe vomiting and/or diarrhea, extreme weakness or confusion), students should seek medical care at Student Health Service, with a local doctor, or at an urgent-care facility.
*High risk persons include: persons 65 or older, children younger than 5, pregnant women, children on long-term aspirin therapy, persons with an immunosuppressive condition or taking immunosuppressive medication, and persons with certain chronic medical conditions including cardiac, pulmonary, renal, liver, hematologic, metabolic, or neurologic/ neuromuscular disease.
Q: Should my student go to class if he/she has flu symptoms?
A: It's best for students who have flu symptoms to stay away from others in classrooms or events until their fever is gone and other symptoms are mostly resolved. They should communicate with their professors and teaching assistants if they’re missing class because of flu.
Q: How else can I support my student if he/she becomes ill?
Q: Can my child get a flu vaccine at UCSD?
A: Student Health Service has seasonal influenza vaccine available now. This protects against regular season flu only. H1N1 vaccine is expected in mid-October, and will protect against H1N1 influenza only. We plan to have flu vaccine clinics at various locations around campus. See the Student Health Service Web site for current information.
Faculty & instructors
Q: What should I do if I feel like I have the flu?
A: If you experience flu symptoms, please stay home. Notify your department chair or program director. If you are teaching a class, work with your chair to arrange for a substitute instructor; you can also distribute course material or assignments to your students via e-mail or WebCT.
Q: What should I do if students report that they're staying away from class because of flu symptoms?
A: Please let your students know that the same standards apply to them – if they have flu symptoms they should stay home and avoid contact with others. Remember that students are being advised to NOT go to a doctor unless they are severely ill or have a condition that puts them at high risk of complications from flu. Therefore, we request that you don't require medical excuses for absences. Those faculty members who record podcasts for courses may wish to remind students of their availability. We recognize that this will not be possible in all course formats, such as laboratories, studios, and some seminars. See campus notice.
Q: What accommodations do I need to make for students who are out with the flu?
A: You may wish to exercise leniency in allowing ill students to catch up or make up coursework during this time. Please keep in mind, though, that if illness results in incomplete course work such as late papers or missed exams, filing an official grade of Incomplete will require the same level of documentation as in normal circumstances.
Staff
Q: What if I have a family member who has 2009 H1N1 flu symptoms?
A: You can use sick leave, vacation, accrued furlough days, or accumulated compensatory time off with your supervisor’s approval to cover your absence if you need to stay home to care for an ill family member.
Q: What if I am ill with H1N1 symptoms and don’t have sufficient sick or vacation leave?
A: You can use accrued furlough days or accumulated compensatory time off with your supervisor's approval. Or you can take days without pay.
Q: What if I want to stay away from the workplace to avoid catching the H1N1 flu?
A: You can request to use vacation leave, accrued furlough, or accumulated compensatory time off with supervisory approval. Otherwise, you're required to come to work.
Q: Can I telecommute if there is an outbreak of the H1N1 flu?
A: Your supervisor may approve ad hoc telecommuting arrangements if the work can be fully and satisfactorily performed off-site.
Managers
Q: What should I do as a supervisor if an employee appears ill with 2009 H1N1 flu symptoms and is still working? Am I authorized to send the employee home?
A: The CDC recommends that the employee take sick leave and go home immediately so as to avoid infecting others in the workplace. The employee can use sick leave, vacation, or accumulated compensatory time off if available. Important: Before sending the employee home, supervisors must contact the Human Resources division of Employee Relations, Policy Development, and Work/Life (ERPDWL), (858) 534-4115.
Q: What health care provider should employees use?
A: Employees should use their own health care providers, just as they would with any other illness.
Q: What if an employee has a family member who has 2009 H1N1 flu symptoms?
A: The employee can use sick leave, vacation, accrued furlough days, or accumulated compensatory time off with a supervisor’s approval to cover the absence if he/she needs to stay home to care for an ill family member.
Q: What if an employee is ill with H1N1 symptoms and doesn’t have sufficient sick and vacation leave?
A: Employees can use accrued furlough days or accumulated compensatory time. Another option is for the employee to take leave without pay.
Q: What if an employee wants to stay away from the workplace to avoid catching the H1N1 flu?
A: The employee can request to use vacation leave, accrued furlough days, or accumulated compensatory time off with supervisory approval. Otherwise, the employee is required to come to work.
Q: Can I allow employees to telecommute if there is an outbreak of the H1N1 flu?
A: Managers and supervisors may approve ad hoc telecommuting arrangements if the work can be fully and satisfactorily performed off-site.
Visitors
Q: Have there been any cases of H1N1 at UCSD?
A: Although the Public Health Department is no longer testing for H1N1 except in hospitalized cases, most flu-like illness during this summer is believed to be H1N1. So far, we have had a small but steady number of students with flu-like symptoms; none has become seriously ill.
Q: Is UCSD on a normal schedule?
A: Yes, it’s business, education, and activities as usual at UCSD. University officials are monitoring the flu situation closely but see no need to alter events, classes, or business at this time.
Q: Who are the main points of contact for flu-related questions?
A: During business hours (M-F, 8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.), students should contact Student Health Service, (858) 534-3300. The nurse will answer questions and help you determine any action that may be needed for symptoms you’re experiencing. If students have urgent questions or concerns after hours, they can speak with a registered nurse by calling (858) 534-3300 and selecting the "after hours advice" option. Students can monitor TritonLink and the Student Health Services Web site for updates. Faculty and staff should monitor Blink. Updates are also posted on the UCSD home page and the Parents & Families and Visitors sites.
This site, http://ucsd.edu/flu, has an easy-to-remember URL and links to all the sources above.
Q: Are there any special concerns about travel to or from UCSD?
A: There are currently no travel restrictions, although it is wise to discontinue non-essential travel to Mexico. You can check CDC Travelers' Health for current travel advisories and vaccination recommendations.
Q: How does UCSD handle this or other flu outbreaks?
A: UCSD’s Pandemic/ Epidemic Response Committee has plans in place for the possibility of a flu epidemic or pandemic. For an overview, please refer to our Pandemic/ Epidemic Response Initiative and link to our Emergency Operations Plan.
Q: How can I get the most up-to-date information about H1N1 flu at UCSD?
A: All updates are being posted in one location, at: http://ucsd.edu/flu.
Contacts:
- Faculty and staff: Emergency Services, (858) 534-1064 or 534-3823
- Students: Student Health Service, (858) 534-3300
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