H1N1

There have been 38 confirmed cases of the H1N1 virus at Madison College since April 2009. Madison College is asking for your continued help to prevent the further spread of the H1N1/flu virus.  Below is a summary of what H1N1 is, how you can protect yourself, and what Madison College is doing to protect you. Please do your part to prevent contracting and/or spreading the H1N1/flu virus.

WHAT IS H1N1?

H1N1 is highly contagious virus that is transmitted the same way as the seasonal flu. H1N1 is of concern because most people have not been exposed before; therefore the immune system may have difficulty fighting the virus. Symptoms of H1N1 are similar to the seasonal flu and include:

• Fever (+100 F)
• Frequent coughing
• Sore throat
• Body aches
• Headache
• Chills
• Fatigue

In addition, many people also have reported nausea, vomiting and/or diarrhea. People may be contagious 1 day before symptoms begin, and continue for 7-10 days after, or until 24-hours has passed without a fever (without the use of fever reducing medication).
 

WHAT YOU CAN DO

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends the following to prevent the spread of H1N1:

• Stay home if you are sick. If you have flu-like symptoms stay home for at least 24 hours after your fever is gone (your fever should be gone without the use of a fever-reducing medicine).
• Wash your hands frequently with soap and warm water. Utilize alcohol based hand sanitizers between hand washings, or when soap and water isn’t available.
• Avoiding rubbing your eyes, nose, or mouth.
• Avoid close contact with sick people, preferably 6 feet or more.
   

WHAT IS MADISON COLLEGE DOING?

In April 2009, Madison College began taking steps to minimize the impact H1N1 could have at our campuses. Initially, we asked students to remain at home and not attend classes if they began to show signs of the flu, and urged frequent hand washing. Over the summer 2009 the college’s efforts expanded to include:

• Working with the Health Departments from Columbia, Dane, Dodge, Jefferson, and Sauk counties to combat H1N1/flu.
• Updating Madison College’s Pandemic Plan.
• Installing 90 Purel foam hand sanitizing dispensers throughout the district.
• Scheduling onsite seasonal flu vaccination clinics.
• Developing H1N1 posters, electronic communications, and a H1N1 article in the Clarion, the college’s newspaper.
• Increased frequency of cleaning high traffic areas.
   

SEASONAL FLU and H1N1 VACCINATIONS

Individuals are encouraged to get vaccinated. Several Madison College’s campuses have hosted seasonal flu and H1N1 vaccination clinics.  Additional clinics may be schedule as the traditional flu season progresses. Vaccinations can also be administered by local health care providers. Seasonal flu and H1N1 vaccinations can be taken at the same time.

ADDITIONAL TIPS

Individuals with a “high-risk” medical condition (asthma or other chronic pulmonary disease; cancer; cardiovascular disease; diabetes; pregnancy; weakened immune system; or kidney, liver, blood, or neurological disorder). This does not mean these individuals are at higher risk of contracting influenza. But it does mean that symptoms could be more severe if these individuals become infected. Individuals with “high-risk” conditions should call their healthcare provider for consultation if they develop flu symptoms, or if someone they live with (or have been in close contact with in the past 24 hours) develops flu symptoms. Individuals who do not have “high-risk” conditions but who need medical advice should also contact their healthcare provider.

For more information go to:
http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/
http://pandemic.wisconsin.gov
http://www.flu.gov/
http://www.who.int/csr/disease/swineflu/en/