Novel H1N1 Influenza Virus Updates

Flu activity continues to increase significantly in the State of Michigan.   The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has upgraded Michigan from “Regional” to “Widespread Influenza”, the highest of activity levels.  Currently physician office and emergency room usage is up, and an increasing number of K – 12 schools have closed temporarily because of student illness.  Here at Ferris State, the Birkam Health Center continues to see a higher than usual number of patients including about seven cases of influenza – like illness or H1N1 per day.

Evaluation and treatment for patients with influenza at the Health Center includes a variety of guidance and self-management strategies, as well as antivirals if indicated.  Patients are being advised to self isolate until temperature in below 100°F without use of fever-reducing medications, maintain fluid intake, use Motrin or Tylenol, and seek additional medical attention
if short of breath, chest pain, persistent vomiting.  Each patient is provided with a flu kit which contains thermometers, Kleenex, wipes, electrolytes, and the fever reducing medications.  In addition, each patient is also asked to consider going home if able or isolating in their room until their symptoms are reduced and temperature is below 100°F.  Flu symptoms are tending to be mild to moderate and are lasting four to five days.  Students and employees with flu are strongly advised not to work or attend class and to avoid gatherings, events, and activities.

Health Center physicians continue to see most students who want to be seen.  However, there are occasions on a daily basis when our capacity is reached.  During those periods our Registered Nurses are triaging patients.  Under such conditions, some patients are asked to wait for a physician, return at a later time, or visit another provider off campus.  Students who are ill have been very patient and understanding with wait times at the Health Center.

Faculty members are asked to take a more lenient approach with students who report influenza illness.  The Health Center cannot assure faculty that students will always be given class excuses  or leaves.  The public health benefit of not having influenza students in class in these unusual times far outweighs any small misuse of such leniency.  All students who are given Health Center leave slips of any kind must make up their academic work regardless of illness.  A student note to this effect was emailed this afternoon.

H1N1 vaccine availability continues to be a challenge.  It is unknown as to when we will have it available for the general student and employee populations.  State and local health authorities have worked closely with FSU, area schools, and other medical providers.  The vaccine shortage   or delay issues seem to be at the national and international levels.

While flu activity on campus is still well-controlled, the emphasis must continue on campus wide prevention and cooperation involving all students and employees.

Prevention

Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after coughing and sneezing. Alcohol-based hand cleaners are also effective.

Cover your cough or sneeze.

Cough or sneeze into your elbow or shoulder, not your hands.

Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth as germs are spread this way.

Stay away from people who are sick if you can.

Signs and Symptoms

Fever, cough, sore throat, temperature of 100° F or higher
Runny or stuffy nose
Body-aches
Headache
Chills and fatigue
Some people have vomiting and diarrhea

If you have Flu Symptoms

Call your health care provider (Health Center - ext. 2614) and talk with
a nurse for instructions and triage.

Symptoms have been mild for many people, not always requiring an office visit. 

If symptoms are more severe, call or come in to your
physician office (Health Center for students). 

Notify your instructors/supervisor and stay isolated or go home. Do not attend class or activities if you are sick.

Students in residence halls should work with roommates,
friends, or hall directors to arrange for meals.

Return to school/work only after symptoms are gone
and your temperature is less than 100° F. 

The best way to prevent spread of flu is to stay isolated, not infecting others.