H1N1 (Swine) Flu

Campus health officials continue to closely monitor the outbreak of H1N1 (swine) flu in the U.S. and globally. 

H1N1 influenza (flu) is a respiratory disease that occurs in pigs, but is not commonly transmitted to humans. The current H1N1 flu virus that is causing concern is now being spread from person to person. H1N1 flu is not contracted by eating pork or pork products.

This situation is rapidly evolving. For the most up-to-date information on the scope of this outbreak within the U.S., please refer to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) website: http://www.cdc.gov. 

Prevention

Public health officials would like to remind everyone to be especially vigilant about practicing good personal hygiene.

• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds (sing the Alphabet song while washing), especially after coughing or sneezing. If soap & water are not available, alcohol based hand sanitizing gel is an acceptable alternative.

• Avoid touching your face, especially eyes, nose, and mouth. Germs most frequently enter the body through these routes. If you must touch, wash your hands well, both before and after.

• Cover your nose and mouth when you cough or sneeze with a tissue or your sleeve.  Do not use your hand to cover! Throw the tissue away in the appropriate trash receptacle, then wash your hands.

• Avoid contact with sick people. Try to maintain a distance of three feet from anyone coughing or sneezing.

• Do not share personal items (toothbrush, towels, eating utensils) or food/beverages.

• Clean shared phone receivers, keyboards, office equipment, door knobs, and exercise equipment, both before and after your personal use.

• Get plenty of sleep.

• Avoid alcohol and tobacco.

• If you are sick with a fever, stay home from school or work to avoid transmitting your germs to others.

• If you have been diagnosed with flu or have flu symptoms and are in close proximity to others (i.e. dorm room or home with family) wearing a surgical mask  may prevent the spread of the virus. These masks are available in all commercial drugstores/pharmacies.

Signs & Symptoms of Flu

Call your primary care provider (PCP) or if you are a student, Student Health Services (978-934-4991) for the following:

• Fever of greater than 100.5 degrees F
• Cough
• Sore throat
• Muscle and body aches
• Fatigue, lethargy, chills
• Nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea

Testing for the flu virus can be done via a nasal swab.  No blood tests are necessary. 

Medical Emergency

Anyone with the following should seek immediate medical care:

• Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
• Pain or pressure in the chest or abdomen
• Purple or blue discoloration of lips
• Sudden persistent dizziness
• Absence of urination or lack of tears
• Confusion, decreased responsiveness
• Severe, persistent vomiting and unable to keep liquids down

If on campus call ext. 2911 for emergency medical care.

Resources for Additional Information

• Mass. Dept. of Public Health: http://www.mass.gov/dph/swineflu
• Mass. Dept. of Public Health blog: http://publichealth.blog.state.ma.us/
• Centers for Disease Control: http://cdc.gov/swineflu.
• Travel Advisory: http://cdc.gov/travel/contentSwineFluUS.aspx
• World Health Organization: http://who.org
• Public Health Fact Sheet (pdf) 
• Massachusetts Emergency Management Association (MEMA) Hot Line: Dial 211