H1N1 Information

H1N1 Updates

What is H1N1?

H1N1 is a new strain of influenza A. Since it is a new strain, the vaccine received for traditional flu will not protect a person from getting this flu.

H1N1 has components of swine, avian, and human flu. The term "swine flu" that was initially used has been replaced by H1N1. A person does not get H1N1 by being around pigs or by eating pork.

Symptoms

Symptoms of H1N1 influenza may include fever over 100 degrees, cough, sore throat, vomiting, and diarrhea.

How Flu is Spread

Person to Person: By direct contact with respiratory droplets, such as kissing or sharing a drink or by respiratory droplets when the infected person coughs or sneezes. This sends droplets through the air that can be deposited in the mouth or nose of a well person nearby, as much as 6 feet away.
From Contaminated Objects to Person: When a well person touches something that is contaminated by flu droplets, and the contaminated hands are brought to the mouth, nose, or eyes. (Flu virus can survive minutes to hours on surfaces.)

Incubation Period

Incubation period from exposure to developing symptoms is usually within 7 days.

Period When Contagious

CDC now recommends that those with flu-like illness stay home until at least 24 hours after their fever is gone, without using fever-reducing medicines like acetaminophen or ibuprofen.

North Park University and H1N1:

North Park University is taking preventative actions to respond to any flu cases or possible outbreaks. We are taking our lead from public health officials and our current efforts draw on the work of the Emergency Management Team commissioned by President David Parkyn to plan for any possible campus crisis intervention. 

However, we would like to emphasize the importance of personal prevention. The most important steps we can all take to prevent the spread of the flu are personal. Fortunately, they are also simple, so, please be sure to:

Cover your nose and mouth by coughing or sneezing into a tissue or your sleeve rather than your bare hand.
Wash your hands often with soap and water, for at least 20 seconds at a time, or use alcohol-based hand cleaners.
Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
Try to avoid contact with those who are sick.
To help prevent others from catching your illness do not go to work or class if you are sick.

Cleanliness is also a key part of prevention. NPU facilities are already cleaned with approved cleansers. We are working to further increase the availability of hand cleaners and to ensure that our practices are as effective as possible. As the new school year begins remember to bring the following items:

Disposable thermometers
Box(es) of tissue
Alcohol-based hand sanitizer (also available for sale in campus bookstore)

In an effort to prevent the spread of influenza, persons who develop a flu-like illness should stay home and avoid contact with others for a minimum of 24 hours after being free of fever without fever altering medications. Faculty or Staff may temporarily remove a student from contact with others if they exhibit signs of H1N1 and require them to visit health services or their health care provider. Students may be removed from classes or campus activities for a period of time.

If you are suspicious of flu symptoms, please contact Health Services at (773) 244-4897 and/or visit the Health services section here.

Please refer to the following links for additional medical and public health information including the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

The Emergency Management Team will continue to monitor any possible implications of a flu outbreak for our academic programs, residential community and other university activities, paying special attention to the possible needs of our international population.

The Emergency Management Team and Health Services also continue to work with county and state health departments to monitor for H1N1 Influenza and to assist with response measures.