UR Swine Flu (H1N1 Virus)

Dear Students, Faculty and Staff:

I would like to invite the entire campus community to join me in celebrating the American Cancer Society’s 32^nd Annual Great American Smokeout, which takes place on Thursday, Nov. 19.  This will also serve as an excellent opportunity to acknowledge UND’s two year anniversary of the Tobacco-Free Campus Policy.   I, along with Student Health Services, the Wellness Center and Work Well, encourage every member of the community to recognize this event by abiding by and respectfully informing others of the policy, sharing information about quit tobacco options and providing support to those who quit for the day and possibly even for life. 

Compliance with the tobacco-free campus policy is the responsibility and right of all UND staff, students and faculty members.  The success of the policy rests with all of us, and as part of UND’s ongoing commitment to health and wellness, I hope you’ll join me and use this tremendous opportunity for every one of us, user or non-user, to offer others encouragement and support as we continue to strive to promote health and wellness within our community.  To help us in this endeavor, you can download business cards to inform others of the policy and available cessation options from the tobacco-free campus website.   Print copies are also available at the Student Health Promotion Office in the Memorial Union, at the Wellness Center and in the Office of the President.

UND is a leader in the tobacco-free movement and is frequently used as an example to other colleges and universities seeking to become tobacco-free.   The chief purpose of the tobacco-free campus policy is to create a healthy and safe environment for all UND students, faculty and staff.  Moreover, its specific mission is to reduce harm from secondhand smoke, provide an environment that encourages persons to be tobacco-free, establish a campus culture of wellness, reduce health insurance and health-care costs, and promote a tobacco free culture.  The policy prohibits the use of all tobacco products in university buildings, parking structures, walkways, arenas, in the university or state fleet vehicles, and on university-owned property (to see the UND tobacco-free map click here).

Through the development of comprehensive tobacco prevention and cessation programs over the past 8 years, UND has made tremendous progress in reducing tobacco use on campus.  A survey conducted by Student Health Services showed the percentage of UND students who reported smoking cigarettes in the last 30 days dropped from 33% in 2000 to 12% in 2008.  In the same time period the daily usage rate dropped from 10% to 2.2% (both of the 2008 usage numbers are below the national average).  These are numbers to be proud of, but much more remains to be accomplished to continue to diminish tobacco-related disease and deaths, as smoking is still the most preventable cause of death today.  

Finally, any student, staff or faculty member interested in tobacco cessation help is encouraged to visit our tobacco cessation information web page where you’ll find online cessation educational information, contact numbers for cessation counseling and information on where to find self-help materials.  You can also visit the Health Promotion Office on the main floor of the Student Union to find tobacco cessation education literature, pick up a “Quit Kit,” or schedule a cessation counseling session. 

Best wishes,

Robert O. Kelley

President

UR Swine Flu (H1N1 Virus)

Do you have questions about H1N1 or seasonal flu?  The North Dakota Department of Health has established a flu hotline.  Call toll-free 1-866-207-2880 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. CST, Monday through Friday, for answers to all your flu related questions.

Most people with either H1N1 or seasonal flu can recover at home with little or no medical attention.   UND students who need medical care may contact UND Student Health Services at 701.777.4500.  Students who need care are asked to CALL FIRST.  Faculty and staff may contact their own health care provider. 

Altru Health Systems has established a walk in flu clinic at the Altru Family Medicine Center, 1380 Columbia Road, Side Entrance C.   The clinic will be open from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday-Friday.  The walk in clinic is for Grand Forks area patients with flu-like symptoms who are generally healthy and not pregnant or at high risk for flu related complications.   Those who are in a high-risk group or in an area outside Grand Forks are asked to contact their own health care provider.

Individuals who are at high risk for complications from the flu are encouraged to contact their health care provider if they become ill or if they have close contact with someone who has the flu.  High risk groups include:

¨      People of any age with certain chronic conditions such as asthma, diabetes, health, lung, liver or kidney disease.

¨      People with weakened immune systems

¨      Pregnant women

¨      People over 65 years of age

¨      Children younger than 5 years of age

Get medical attention right away if you:

¨      Have difficulty breathing or chest pain

¨      Have purple or blue discoloration of your lips

¨      Are vomiting and unable to keep liquids down

¨      Show signs of dehydration, such as feeling dizzy when standing or unable to urinate

¨      Have seizures

¨      Are less responsive than normal or become confused

Studies show 73% of flu can be prevented by practicing these 5 key habits:
1. Cover Your Cough
2. Clean Your Hands Frequently
3. Avoid Touching Your Eyes, Nose and Mouth
4. Keep Your Distance (3-6 Feet) From Sick People
5. Stay Home When You’re Sick

For more information go to www.flu.gov .

UR Swine Flu (H1N1 Virus)

Your NDPERS health plan covers the seasonal flu vaccine and the administration of the H1N1 flu vaccine. The novel H1N1 vaccine does not replace the seasonal flu vaccine.

BCBSND will cover the administration of the H1N1 vaccine for people on the Center for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) priority list to receive the vaccine. If the vaccine supply is plentiful, these groups have priority to receive the vaccine:

• Pregnant women
• People who live with or provide care for infants younger than age 6 months. For example, parents, siblings and daycare providers
• Health care and emergency medical services personnel
• People ages 6 months-24 years
• People ages 25-64 years who have medical conditions that put them at higher risk for influenza-related complications.

Coverage details

• The seasonal flu vaccine is covered under your NDPERS benefit plan at 100 percent. 
• The cost of the H1N1 vaccine itself will be covered by the government for those approved groups. 
• BCBSND will allow the administration of the vaccine to be processed under your health plan.
• If the CDC determines this vaccine should be given for other populations, BCBSND will allow according to the group’s benefits, if not covered through a governmental entity.

Cost-saving tips

For the least out-of pocket expense, you can receive your immunization through schools or community health centers. If you go to a clinic, ask if you can bypass an office visit and just be immunized. If an office visit is billed, it will be subject to your office visit copay.

For more information, visit the CDC web site at http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/ as information about the availability of the H1N1 vaccine continues to change.  For information regarding coverage or claims processing, please contact BCBS at (800) 223-1704.

UR Swine Flu (H1N1 Virus)

The University of North Daktoa’s seasonal flu vaccination clinics have been cancelled because current vaccine supplies have been exhausted. Campus and community health care providers are currently experiencing shortages of seasonal flu vaccine due to increased demand for vaccination and difficulties encountered in securing adequate amounts of vaccine from national suppliers. Student Health Services is coordinating vaccination efforts with local, state and national authorities. Additional information on seasonal and Novel H1N1 vaccination developments will be shared with the campus community as they become available.

UR Swine Flu (H1N1 Virus)

UR Swine Flu (H1N1 Virus) Add new tag

Four University of North Dakota students who were treated at UND Student Health Services have tested positive for H1N1 flu.  Community providers have also identified confirmed cases of H1N1 flu.  Since the Centers for Disease Control estimates that there are over one million cases of H1N1 flu, it is not surprising that we would have confirmed cases in our community and at UND.  The students are being treated according to protocols established in consultation with Grand Forks Public Health, the North Dakota Department of Health and the Centers for Disease Control.  Most people with H1N1 (swine) or seasonal flu can recover at home with little or no medical attention.

UND reminds students, faculty and staff to monitor their health.  If you become ill, avoid contact with others for at least 24 hours after fever subsides (without the help of fever reducing medicine). UND students with flu-like symptoms are asked to call Student Health Services first as they may not require an office visit which could potentially expose others to the flu virus.  The number to call is 777-4500. UND faculty and staff may contact their own health care providers.

WHAT SHOULD I DO IF I GET THE FLU?

Should I seek health care services if I am sick with the flu?

Most people with H1N1 (swine) or seasonal flu can recover at home with little or no medical attention. However, those who are at higher risk of serious complications should consult a health care provider if they develop flu-like symptoms or if they have had recent close contact with someone who has the flu.

High risk groups include:

¨ People of any age with certain chronic medical conditions including:

o Asthma

o Diabetes

o Immune-suppression

o Heart, lung, liver or kidney disease

¨ Persons younger than 19 years of age who are receiving long term aspirin therapy

¨ Pregnant women

¨ Adults 65 years of age and older

¨ Children younger than 5 years of age

Symptoms of the flu can include:

¨ Fever of > 100°

¨ Cough and/or sore throat

¨ Runny or stuffy nose

¨ Headache and/or body aches

¨ Chills

¨ Fatigue

¨ With H1N1 (swine) flu, you may also have vomiting and diarrhea

Get medical attention right away if you:

¨ Have difficulty breathing or chest pain

¨ Have purple or blue discoloration of your lips

¨ Are vomiting and unable to keep liquids down

¨ Show signs of dehydration, such as feeling dizzy when standing or being unable to urinate.

¨ Have seizures

¨ Are less responsive than normal or become confused

If you become ill, avoid contact with others for at least 24 hours after fever subsides (without the help of fever reducing medicine). Wear a mask during periods where contact with others is unavoidable.

Those who need to seek care are asked to call first. UND students may call Student Health Services at 701.777.4500. UND faculty and staff may contact their own health care providers.

Immunization is the best protection against the flu.

For UND seasonal flu vaccination clinic schedule go to www.undstudenthealth.com.

This will protect you against the most common types of seasonal flu and help keep you healthy all winter. A seasonal flu vaccination will not protect you against Novel N1N1 (swine) flu.

Novel H1N1 vaccine is expected in early November. Please watch for more information.

Studies show 73% of flu can be prevented by practicing these 5 key habits:

1. Cover Your Cough

2. Clean Your Hands Frequently

3. Avoid Touching Your Eyes, Nose and Mouth

4. Keep Your Distance (3-6 Feet) From Sick People

5. Stay Home When You’re Sick

UR Swine Flu (H1N1 Virus)

Getting a seasonal flu shot is the #1 way to prevent the flu.  Each year in the United States, on average, more than 200,000 people are hospitalized and 36,000 people die from seasonal flu complications.  Getting the flu virus will slow you down forcing you to miss work, class, and your favorite daily activities…and no one has time for that.  UND Student Health Services has conveniently placed flu shot clinics all over campus to help. 

2009 Yearly Seasonal Flu UND Vaccination Clinics (Flu Shots & Nasal Mist Available; Please Wear Short Sleeves)

Students Only

Monday, Sept. 21, 10 a.m.-1 p.m., College of Nursing, First Floor Hallway

Tuesday, Sept. 22, 10 a.m.-1 p.m., SMHS (Med School), Room 5006

Wednesday, Sept. 23, 10 a.m.-1 p.m., Wilkerson, Room 55

Thursday, Sept. 24, 10 a.m.-1 p.m., Memorial Union, Student Health Promotion Office

Students, Faculty and Staff*

Tuesday, Sept. 29, 9:30 a.m.-11 a.m., SMHS (Med School), Room 5006

Tuesday, Sept. 29, 12:30 p.m.- 2 p.m., Odegard, Room 251A

Wednesday, Sept. 30, 9 a.m.-11:30 a.m., Twamley, Room 305

Wednesday, Sept. 30, 1 p.m.- 3:30 p.m., Memorial Union, Student Health Promotion Office

Thursday, Oct. 1, 6:30 a.m.- 9 a.m. Facilities, Lunch Room

Thursday, Oct. 1, 10:30 a.m.-12 p.m. EERC, Hayden Conference Room

UND ID required

*While Supplies LastInsurance may be filed on site for those with ND BC/BS coverage who present their insurance cards.

$30 for those who pay by check or cash. Students may also charge to their UND accounts.

Yearly seasonal flu vaccination will not protect you against Novel H1N1(Swine) flu.

The Novel H1N1(Swine) flu vaccine is expected in November. Watch for details.

Studies show 73% of flu can be prevented by practicing 5 key habits: 

1. Cover Your Cough

2. Clean Your Hands Frequently

3. Avoid Touching Your Eyes, Nose and Mouth

4. Keep Your Distance (3-6 Feet) From Sick People

5. Stay Home When You Are Sick

UR Swine Flu (H1N1 Virus)

From UND STUDENT HEALTH SERVICES

100 McCannel Hall

www.undstudenthealth.com   777-4500

1. How widespread is H1N1 (swine) flu?

The Novel H1N1 pandemic is widespread throughout the world.  The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) estimate that there are at least a million cases in the United States.  As of August 27, 2009, North Dakota had 94 confirmed cases and Grand Forks County had 8 confirmed cases of H1N1 flu.  There have been no deaths in North Dakota.  

2. What are the symptoms of Novel H1N1 (swine) flu?

The symptoms are similar to seasonal flu and may include: fever of > 100° F (37.8° C), cough, sore throat, muscle aches, congestion, and headache.  In some cases, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea have also been reported.  H1N1 flu is similar in severity to seasonal flu and it is also transmitted through respiratory droplets (coughing and sneezing).

3. How can I stay informed?

Updates will be sent out through campus e‐mail services and the UND’s Health & Wellness Blog

Web site on the UND home page @ www.und.edu.  The CDC web site @ www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu  is also a valuable source of information.

4. What is UND doing?

Planning

UND’s Emergency Response Team is working closely with Grand Forks Public Health and the North Dakota Department of Health, with direction from CDC, to monitor the situation and follow established H1N1 protocols.

Prevention

UND Student Health Services is working with other campus and community partners to provide educational programs and information designed to prevent the spread of the virus.  

Studies show that 73% of flu can be prevented by practicing these 5 key habits: 

¨       Cover your mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze or sneeze into your sleeve

¨       Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth

¨       Clean your hands with soap and water, if available, or instant hand cleaner

¨       Avoid close contact with others (stay 3-6 feet away, when possible)

¨       Stay home when you are sick

Treatment

UND Student Health Services has developed guidelines for treatment of students with influenza‐like‐illness (ILI), based on CDC and North Dakota Department of Health recommendations. 

5. What should I do if I have flu like symptoms?

Those who have influenza like illness (ILI) should self-isolate (i.e. stay away from others) in their residence hall room or home for at least 24 hours after their fever is gone except to get medical care or for other necessities (their fever should be gone without the use of a fever-reducing medicine).   Keep away from others as much as possible to prevent others from becoming sick. 

The majority of individuals who contract this virus will not need to seek health care.  Consult a health care provider if you have a chronic medical condition such as diabetes, cancer, asthma, heart or lung problems, a weakened immune system, or if you are pregnant.  Students with ILI are asked to call Student Health Services first before seeking care to determine the appropriate course of action.  The medical team will assess each student and make the appropriate medical decisions.

Seek emergency health care if you become ill and experience any of the following warning signs:

¨       Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath

¨       Pain or pressure in the chest or abdomen

¨       Sudden dizziness

¨       Confusion

¨       Severe or persistent vomiting

¨       Flu-like symptoms improve, but then return with fever and worse cough

6. Is there a threat to students living in group settings?

College students spend a great deal of their time in group classrooms, social and living environments.   Because residence halls and other group settings have a greater population density, there is greater opportunity for a virus to spread.  For this reason, we continue to stress that everyone must be diligent about preventive practices. 

Students who live in group settings who become ill should remain in their rooms and receive care from a single person, if possible.  Students could establish a “flu buddy” system in which students pair up as the identified caregiver if one or the other becomes ill.  Ill students should limit their contact with others and, to the extent possible, maintain a distance of 6 feet from people with whom they share living space.  Shared bathrooms should be avoided or receive frequent cleaning.  If close contact can’t be avoided, the ill student should wear a surgical mask during periods of contact.  Guidance for care of influenza patients in their home can also be applied to residence halls.  For more information visit:  www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/guidance_homecare.htm

7. Should I wear a mask?

Ill students should wear a surgical mask during periods of contact with others. The current situation does not warrant general use of masks, unless you are advised to do so by a health official. 

8. Will UND close if H1N1 cases on campus are confirmed?

The University will make a closure decision based on consultation with county and state health officials and after a thorough assessment of the threat to the campus community. CDC is not recommending school closures at this time.

9. Will Student Health Services have the appropriate flu vaccines for the student  population?

UND Student Health Services maintains a robust vaccination and flu monitoring program each year and this year will be no exception. Student Health Services follows CDC protocols for seasonal and H1N1 vaccination.  It is anticipated that when an H1N1 vaccine becomes available, Student Health Services would offer it in addition to the seasonal flu vaccine.   The CDC expects the H1N1 vaccine to be available in November.   Most likely, two doses of Novel H1N1 influenza vaccine will be needed for each individual.  Seasonal flu vaccine may be administered at the same time as Novel H1N1 influenza vaccine.   

Priority groups for Novel H1N1 vaccination include:

¨       All people from 6 months to 24 years of age

¨       Persons aged 25 through 64 years of age who have health conditions associated with higher risk of medical complications from influenza

¨       Healthcare and emergency medical services personnel

¨       Household contacts and caregivers of children younger than 6 months of age

¨       Pregnant women

When vaccine demands for the prioritized groups have been met, vaccination for those ages 25 through 64 years will begin.  Since the risk of infection among persons age 65 or older is lower, this group will receive vaccinations once demand among younger age groups has been met. 

UR Swine Flu (H1N1 Virus)

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention now is recommending that people with influenza-like illness remain at home until at least 24 hours after they are free of fever (100° F [37.8°C]), or signs of a fever without the use of fever-reducing medications. This is a change from the previous recommendation that ill persons stay home for seven days after illness onset or until 24 hours after the resolution of symptoms, whichever was longer. The new recommendation applies to camps, schools, businesses, mass gatherings, and other community settings where the majority of people are not at increased risk for influenza complications.

This guidance does not apply to health care settings where the exclusion period should be continued for seven days from symptom onset or until the resolution of symptoms, whichever is longer; see www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/guidelines_infection_control.htm for updates about the health care setting.

Please visit www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/guidance/exclusion.htm for more information about the recommendations.  You can also visit the Health/Wellness Blog on the UND main web page (www.und.edu) for more information.

UR Swine Flu (H1N1 Virus)