As another school year begins, the University is working closely with various local, state and federal agencies to be well prepared for the upcoming flu season. Of course, no one knows for sure what may be in store, but here is what many experts are currently reporting:

Thus far, the H1N1 influenza virus has not “mutated” into a more severe form in the southern hemisphere. That is good news. Consequently, experts believe the effects of H1N1 will be similar to those of seasonal flu. H1N1 is still circulating but at a very low level. The number of infected individuals will likely start to increase in September, and because very few people have resistance to H1N1 the illness rate may be somewhat higher than what occurred in spring 2009.

Greater familiarity with the disease has led healthcare agencies to recommend a shorter isolation period for most people who contract the flu. It is now suggested that you stay home and away from others for 24 hours past the end of symptoms. Additionally, closing schools or canceling gatherings is not currently recommended (but that may change if there are major changes in the severity of H1N1).

The CDC and all health organizations continue to recommend the same preventive measures: wash your hands frequently and thoroughly, cough or sneeze into a sleeve or tissue (not your hands), and stay at home if you are feeling ill.

The University is concerned that college students will forego flu shots that protect against the standard seasonal influenza. That poses the possibility of high rates of seasonal flu on top of H1N1 infections. Seasonal flu vaccine should be readily available for all citizens. Limited quantities of vaccine for H1N1 will be available likely starting in October, and will be prioritized for populations considered most susceptible: healthcare workers, first responders, pregnant women, parents and family members of households with children under six months old, and people with underlying health conditions and children in grades K-12.

Please understand this information is subject to change as new discoveries about H1N1 occur. In general, the University does not anticipate disruption of the fall academic term, although there may be slightly higher rates of absenteeism among faculty, staff and students. Just in case, careful and thoughtful planning is underway to ensure the University is prepared to address more severe circumstances.

Additional information is available at www.flu.gov

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Categories: Health Tags: Flu, H1N1

Currently, the University of Utah has no emergency or alert notifications for the campus community. To ensure you receive prompt information in the event of an emergency, be sure to sign up at www.campusalert.utah.edu.

Categories: General

The number of confirmed cases of Influenza A H1N1 in Utah continues to rise, but it remains less worrisome than originally anticipated. At the same time, diligence to reduce the spread of the disease should increase. While Summer Semester brings fewer students to campus it does bring many more guests participating in one of the many camps or specialty classes, or visiting for a cultural event or museum exhibit. We can also anticipate an influx of new students getting a jump on the 2009 school year. Since the H1N1 flu is expected to linger until at least into August, these considerations make it even more important that we follow the precautions recommended by the Center for Disease Control and Prevention. For more information on what you can do, go to http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/general_info.htm.

Categories: Health Tags: Flu, H1N1