H1N1 Flu (Swine Flu) Information

Novel influenza A (H1N1), a new flu virus of swine origin, first caused illness in Mexico and the United States in March and April 2009. In June, the World Health Organization (WHO) signaled that a global pandemic was underway, a reflection of the spread of the new H1N1 virus, not the severity of illness caused.

Since the WHO declaration of a pandemic, the new H1N1 virus has continued to spread with the United States continuing to report the largest number of novel H1N1 cases. However, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), most people who have become ill have recovered without requiring medical treatment. Nonetheless, the CDC expects that the novel H1N1 virus, in conjunction with regular seasonal influenza viruses, poses the potential to cause significant numbers of people to get the flu this fall.

Pitzer, the Claremont Colleges, and the Student Health Services (SHS) of the Claremont Colleges are taking this potential threat seriously and are closely monitoring developments in the current outbreak of swine influenza, while taking steps to manage the situation and prepare for any cases that may occur on campus.

SHS is in contact with the Los Angeles County Public Health Department and is following their guidelines as well as those of the CDC. SHS flu shot clinics for the “regular” flu vaccine will be scheduled in mid-October.

SHS is investigating whether it will be able to obtain the H1N1 vaccine. It is predicted that the H1N1 vaccine will not be available until at least mid-October and will be distributed based on the CDC guidelines. SHS is also continuing their increased monitoring of students who exhibit signs of influenza.

Seasonal flu vaccinations have been added to The Claremont Colleges student health insurance plan. The CUC Student Health Services is also investigating whether it will be able to obtain the H1N1 flu vaccinations once they are available for distribution. We will keep the community informed about this possibility.

The College is in the process of making arrangements for a special residential space in the event that students who become ill with H1N1 flu may need to be isolated. In the event that an infected person has family locally, arrangements will be made for that student to go home to recover.

Symptoms
Symptoms of the swine flu do not differ significantly from the “regular” human flu. Please seek care if you have the following symptoms:

• - Fever (100.5F and higher)
• - Cough
• - Sore throat
• - Difficulty breathing
• - Body aches
• - Headache
• - Chills and fatigue
• - Also could include diarrhea and vomiting

Emergency warning signs that need urgent attention:

• - Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
• - Pain or pressure in chest or abdomen
• - Sudden dizziness
• - Confusion
• - Severe or persistent vomiting
• - Flu-like symptoms improve but then return with fever and worse cough

Students: If you have these symptoms, you should not go to class. You should report to Student Health Services, or after hours, contact Campus Security (909.607.2000) and ask to speak with the on-call healthcare provider. The CDC recommends avoiding contact with others for at least 24 hours your fever is gone except for getting medical care.  As always, if you miss class due to illness you should notify the faculty instructor and the Dean of Students Office.

Employees: If you have similar symptoms, please consult your health care provider for diagnosis and treatment. The CDC recommends avoiding contact with others for at least 24 hours until your fever is gone except for getting medical care.

In your everyday campus lives, please use common sense, caution and consideration to contain the spread of any contagious illness.

What You Can Do to Stay Healthy

• - Try to stay in good general health. Get plenty of sleep, be physically active, manage your stress, drink plenty of fluids, and eat nutritious food.
• - Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it.
• - Wash your hands often with soap and water (15-20 seconds), especially after you cough or sneeze. The virus also lives on inanimate objects, so wash your hands frequently after touching door handles, railings, keyboards, water faucets or other public objects. Alcohol-based hands cleaners are also effective.
• - Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs spread that way.
• - Do not share cups or eating utensils.
• - Try to avoid close contact with sick people. Influenza is thought to spread mainly person-to-person through coughing or sneezing of infected people.