Health AlertH1N1 Influenza Information and UpdateCampus H1N1 Influenza Update Although California has reported many cases of H1N1 influenza, illness from this infection continues to be relatively mild at this time. At this time, the H1N1 virus appears no more virulent or severe than most seasonal flus. This strain does seem to be more frequent in children and young adults because those who are younger than 50 years of age have not yet had contact with a similar type of this virus. There have been cases confirmed in Santa Cruz County as well as all the UC campuses including UCSC. The overwhelming majority of individuals who contract this virus will NOT need to seek medical attention. 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 (and without medication that would lower temperature) A mild, lingering cough may occur. |
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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 symptoms of the virus can take up to 3 days. If you experience any flu symptoms within this time, please stay home to limit the spread of the virus. Persons at risk for more severe illness include those who have asthma, diabetes, cancer, weakened immune system, heart or lung problems, are pregnant or who are obese. These persons may benefit from treatment with prescription anti-viral medications like Tamiflu and should contact their health care providers at the onset of their symptoms as the medicine is much less effective after 48 hours. Anti-viral medication is NOT routinely recommended for those without risk factors and medical attention is not needed unless you are having severe difficulty breathing or instability due to dehydration from severe vomiting or diarrhea.
In order to prevent infection with H1N1, it is very important that you practice good infection control strategies, such as frequent hand washing, covering your cough, and staying home when ill. Getting a flu shot is one practical thing you can do to lessen your risk of falling ill from the Flu. The UCSC Student Health Center has scheduled seasonal influenza shot clinics at many of the residential colleges from October 12th to the 23rd to make it easier for students, staff and faculty to receive the seasonal flu vaccine. The cost of the seasonal (regular) flu vaccine will be $25. For dates and locations click here. There is also a list of off campus community flu shot clinics and resources. We are currently out of the H1N1 vaccine. The Student Health Center will schedule additional H1N1 flu shot clinics on campus when additional vaccine is delivered. We will post information on our website as it becomes available. As we prepare for the fall flu season, we will continue to work closely with the Santa Cruz County Public Health Department. Please visit the links below for the most current information from the Santa Cruz County Public Health department and CDC.
NOTE: The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention now recommends that people with influenza-like illness remain at home for 24 hours after a fever subsides. This is a change from previous recommendations to stay home for 7 days.
See more info here: CDC Guidelines - Questions & Answers.
The following websites provide valuable information on prevention, self care, treatment and the status of national efforts to address the disease:
- H1N1 Flu (Centers for Disease Control & Prevention)
- Influenza Self Care
- Taking Care of a Sick Person in Your Home (Centers for Disease Control & Prevention)
- World Health Organization link
- Managing Anxiety about H1N1 Flu American Psychological Association
How We Can Help
Before calling the Student Health Center, please review the following:
“FLU SELF CARE ADVICE” PDF which includes guidance on when you should seek medical evaluation.
If you have symptoms of flu and are not sure if you need medical evaluation, please call the UCSC Student Influenza Phone Advice Line at (831) 459-2591 between 9:30 and 4:30 Monday through Friday (effective 9/24/09). You may call the appointment line 459-2500 between 8 and 5 Monday through Friday. Unfortunately, the Student Health center does not have the resources to evaluate staff and faculty. Faculty and staff are advised to contact their primary care provider for medical advice.
If you choose to come to the Health Center please try to minimize exposure to others. If you use the campus shuttle service, please cover your mouth and nose with a mask provided and please wash your hands with hand sanitizer.
After hours, you can access the Nurse Advice Line by calling 1-800-977-0027 and selecting the appropriate option. If you become ill in the evening or weekends when the Student Health Center is closed, please review our after hours information handout located on our web site as well as posted outside our main entrance. This handout includes the location and hours of operation of nearby urgent care centers as well as the hospital Emergency Department.
In general, if you are not experiencing high fever for more than 2 days, difficulty breathing, chest pain, persistent vomiting, severe diarrhea or instability related to dehydration, the advice nurse can tell you how to manage symptoms with home care. To minimize the risk of spreading the flu to others, please do not attend class, dining hall or social events until you are free of fever for at least 24 hours.
General Disease Prevention Recommendations
As a general precaution to help prevent illness, the following disease prevention practices are advised:
- Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough and throw away tissues in the trash after use
- Wash hands often with soap and water especially after a sneeze or cough. Use alcohol-based hand wipes as available.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth
- Avoid contact with others you know to be ill
- If you get sick with flu like symptoms stay home from work or school and avoid contact with others
