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Emergency Guidelines for the Campus Community

H1N1 (Swine) Influenza: Frequently Asked Questions

Last updated: November 18, 2009

Health Questions

H1N1 Flu Vaccine Questions

H1N1 Flu General Health Questions

H1N1 Flu Vaccine Questions

Is there a vaccine available to protect me against H1N1 flu? - updated 11/13/2009

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has begun distributing limited quantities of an H1N1 flu vaccine to providers across the country, and has established health prioritization guidelines for the order in which individuals will be eligible to receive the vaccine. The New Jersey Department of Health and Senior Services is overseeing distribution of the vaccine in the state.

The first doses of the vaccine were made available to the University in early November and the University expects to receive additional doses throughout the fall and winter. Members of the University community are encouraged to make every effort to take advantage of the resources available to them to maintain good health, such as getting vaccinated for H1N1 flu as vaccines becomes available.

[For information about vaccine distribution on campus, see question: How will the H1N1 flu vaccine be distributed on campus and who is eligible to receive the vaccine?]

How will the H1N1 flu vaccine be distributed on campus and who is eligible to receive the vaccine? – updated 11/18/09

The University will continue to hold vaccination clinics for eligible campus groups as doses of the vaccine are received. The first doses of the vaccine were made available to the University in early November, with further doses expected to become available throughout the fall and winter.

The University has sent e-mails to faculty, staff and students explaining who is eligible to receive the vaccine on campus, how the vaccine will be distributed, vaccination resources for faculty and staff, and the order in which students may receive the vaccine from University Health Services.

Faculty, staff and students are encouraged to review the following e-mails for the latest information and updates:

--Oct. 29, 2009 campus e-mail with general information about vaccine distribution plans

--Nov. 18, 2009 e-mails to faculty and staff and to students with updated information about a Nov. 24 vaccination clinic for eligible faculty, staff, students and dependents.

As stated in the campus e-mail, University Health Services will contact eligible campus groups directly about when they may receive the vaccine at designated campus locations, in accordance with the CDC's health prioritization guidelines.

The University will provide updates about vaccine availability and the immunization schedule via e-mail and on this Web page.

Are the H1N1 flu vaccines safe? – added 11/13/09

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention expects the 2009 H1N1 flu vaccine will have a similar safety profile as seasonal flu vaccines, which have a very good safety track record. The H1N1 vaccine is made using the same processes and facilities that are used to make the currently licensed seasonal influenza vaccines. Over the years, hundreds of millions of Americans have received seasonal flu vaccines. The CDC and the Food and Drug Administration will be closely monitoring for any signs that the vaccine is causing unexpected adverse events and will work with state and local health officials to investigate any unusual events.

The CDC and FDA believe that the benefits of vaccination with the H1N1 flu vaccine far outweigh any possible risks, especially for the high priority health groups who may be at greater risk of developing complications from H1N1 flu, such as pregnant women and individuals with pre-existing medical conditions.

Vaccination is the best way to prevent influenza infection and its complications, and members of the University community are encouraged to make every effort to take advantage of the resources available to them to maintain good health.

For more information, visit the CDC Vaccine Safety website: http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/vaccination/vaccine_safety_qa.htm

Students with specific concerns about receiving the H1N1 vaccine should contact University Health Services at (609) 258-3141 or uhs@princeton.edu. Faculty and staff with concerns about receiving the H1N1 vaccine should contact their personal physician.

Are there any side effects to the H1N1 flu vaccine? – added 11/13/09

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that it expects any side effects following vaccination with the H1N1 flu vaccine would be rare. If side effects occur, they likely will be similar to those experienced following seasonal influenza vaccine, such as soreness, redness, or swelling where the shot was given, headaches, muscle aches, fever or nausea.

Individuals receiving the vaccine should also be aware that adverse events or possible side effects following vaccination may be coincidental, meaning that they occurred around the same time of vaccination but are not related to the vaccine.

For more information, visit the CDC Vaccine Safety website: http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/vaccination/vaccine_safety_qa.htm

Are there some people who should not receive the H1N1 flu vaccine? –added 11/13/09

People who have a severe (life-threatening) allergy to chicken eggs or to any other substance in the vaccine and infants less than six months old should not be vaccinated.  For more information about substances in the H1N1 vaccine, visit the CDC Vaccine Safety website: http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/vaccination/vaccine_safety_qa.htm

How will the H1N1 flu vaccines be monitored for safety? –added 11/13/09

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Food and Drug Administration closely monitor the safety of vaccines licensed for use in the United States in cooperation with state and local health departments, healthcare providers and other partners. The CDC and its partners will use multiple systems to monitor the safety of the H1N1 flu vaccine.

The purpose of vaccine safety monitoring is to identify significant adverse events following immunization that may be of public health concern. Individuals receiving the vaccine should be aware that adverse events or possible side effects following vaccination may be coincidental, meaning that they occurred around the same time of vaccination but are not related to the vaccine.

H1N1 Flu General Health Questions

What is H1N1 (swine) flu?

H1N1 (swine) flu is a respiratory disease caused by the type A influenza virus. It is a new influenza virus causing illness in people worldwide, and it was first detected in people in the United States in April 2009. This virus is spreading from person-to-person, probably in much the same way that regular seasonal influenza viruses spread. Like seasonal flu, H1N1 flu in humans can vary in severity from mild to severe.

Why are people concerned about this particular strain?

The current strain is a new variation of H1N1 virus, which is a mix of human and animal versions of H1N1 virus. The new H1N1 flu viruses are different genetically from the human H1N1 viruses, and therefore humans lack immunity to protect against the new H1N1 flu viruses. While most people who have so far been sick with H1N1 flu have recovered without needing medical treatment, hospitalizations and deaths from infection with this virus have occurred. The World Health Organization has urged governments to take precautions to prevent the spread of this strain of H1N1 flu virus.

What are the symptoms of H1N1 flu?

The symptoms of H1N1 flu are similar to seasonal influenza and include fever with cough and/or sore throat. Some people with flu have also reported body aches, headache, chills, fatigue, diarrhea and vomiting.

How do you catch H1N1 flu?

The current strain of H1N1 influenza circulating around the world is contagious and is believed to be spreading among humans in the same way that the seasonal flu spreads. Influenza is thought to spread primarily person-to-person through coughing or sneezing by infected people, or when someone touches something with flu viruses on it and then touches their mouth or nose. Infected people may be able to spread the virus to others beginning one day (24 hours) before symptoms develop, and up to seven or more days after becoming sick. This means it is important to practice good hygiene at all times, even if you have not developed symptoms, in order to reduce the risk of spreading sickness. [See also the question below: What can I do to protect myself from getting sick?]

How do I know if my symptoms are H1N1 flu or seasonal flu?

It will be difficult to determine if someone who is sick has the new H1N1 flu  virus or seasonal flu because the symptoms are very similar. Given the worldwide presence of H1N1 flu, federal and state health officials are not recommending laboratory tests to determine in all cases whether an ill person has H1N1 flu. Because it will be difficult to determine if someone has H1N1 flu or seasonal flu, anyone who has flu-like symptoms should stay away from others and should self-isolate until they are no longer contagious in order to prevent the spread of illness. [See also the question below: What does it mean to self-isolate during illness?]

What’s the incubation period for H1N1 flu?

Flu symptoms usually develop within three to four days of contact with an infected person, though it may take up to seven days.

What can I do to protect myself from getting sick?

It is important to practice good hygiene at all times, and there are everyday actions people can take to stay healthy:

  • Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze, and properly dispose of the tissue. If you do not have a tissue, sneeze or cough into the bend of your arm rather than into your hands to reduce the spread of germs.
  • Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze. Alcohol-based hands cleaners are also effective.
  • Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth to prevent the spread of germs.
  • Try to avoid close contact with sick people.

What should I do if I develop flu-like symptoms?

Students: Students experiencing flu-like symptoms (i.e. fever with cough and/or sore throat) should maintain their distance from others and call University Health Services at (609) 258-3141. Students diagnosed with flu or flu-like illness should self-isolate in their dorm room until they are no longer contagious. Students who live within driving distance of the University may be asked to self-isolate at home. The guideline is to remain isolated during illness and for at least 24 hours after the ill person's fever is gone, except to get medical care (fever should be gone without the use of a fever-reducing medicine).  [See also "Student Questions" section for more information.]

Faculty and Staff: Faculty and staff experiencing flu-like symptoms (i.e. fever with cough and/or sore throat) should not come to work and should self-isolate in their homes until they are no longer contagious. The guideline is to remain isolated during illness and for at least 24 hours after the ill person's fever is gone, except to get medical care (fever should be gone without the use of a fever-reducing medicine). Employees feeling sick should notify their supervisor of their absence from work and contact their personal physicians. Employees who do not have a personal physician and who would like a list of physicians in the Princeton area should call Employee Health Services at (609) 258-5035 between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. Monday through Friday. [See also "Employee Questions" section for more information.]

What does it mean to self-isolate during illness?

Faculty, staff and students diagnosed with flu or flu-like illness should self-isolate in their dorm rooms or homes until they are no longer contagious. The guideline is to remain isolated during illness and for at least 24 hours after the ill person's fever is gone, except to get medical care (fever should be gone without the use of a fever-reducing medicine).

Students who live within driving distance of the university may be asked to return to their homes for the duration of their illness. Students who remain on campus should stay away from others and eat meals in their dorm room (students should make arrangements for friends to deliver meals to their room because students with flu will not be permitted in the dining halls, and will be discouraged from eating at off-campus clubs and other communal dining settings). All undergraduate students should contact the Director of Student Life (DSL) in your residential college that you are beginning self-isolation and discuss whether you need assistance with residential/dining matters. DSLs are available to help ALL undergraduates living in or affiliated with a residential college. Graduate students should notify community programs coordinator Olivia Martel at (609) 258-6686 or omartel@princeton.edu. [For more information, see the "Student Questions" section] 

To reduce the spread of illness, sick individuals should cover their mouths and noses when coughing and sneezing and wash hands frequently.
For more information on self-isolation guidelines, see the University Health Services influenza self-care fact sheet.

Are there confirmed cases of H1N1 flu in New Jersey?

New Jersey state health officials first reported on April 30, 2009, that positive cases of H1N1 influenza were present in the state.

Are there any cases of H1N1 flu on campus?

State and University health officials confirmed in June 2009 the first four cases on campus that tested positive for H1N1 influenza. The affected campus members were mildly ill when they were tested, and all have since been treated with antiviral medication and are fully recovered. The University continues to experience cases of flu and flu-like illness on campus, although at this time federal and state health authorities are not recommending laboratory tests to confirm whether an ill person has H1N1 flu and are instead instructing anyone with flu-like symptoms to self-isolate until they are no longer contagious.

The University is following the guidance of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the New Jersey state health department regarding continued medical assessment and treatment of individuals with flu-like symptoms. At this time, federal and state health authorities are not recommending laboratory tests to determine in all cases whether an ill person has H1N1 flu, and are instead instructing anyone with flu-like symptoms to self-isolate until they are no longer contagious. 

I am a visitor on campus and am experiencing flu-like symptoms. What should I do?

If you are a visitor to campus and would like to be seen by a health care provider, practitioners at Princeton Primary and Urgent Care Center, an independent health care facility in Princeton, N.J., may be available to see you. Visitors can call Princeton Primary and Urgent Care Center at (609) 919-0009 for further information or to schedule an appointment. [For more information, see the Visitor Flu Symptom Advisory]

Can I still get H1N1 flu if I have a seasonal flu shot?

The flu shot given during the fall 2009 flu season will not provide protection against the H1N1 influenza virus. The University will provide seasonal flu vaccinations at its annual FluFest clinic on Sept. 23-24 and Oct. 12, 2009. Students, faculty and staff are strongly encouraged to get vaccinated for seasonal flu.

Are there anti-virals that I can take?

Antiviral drugs can be used to treat H1N1 flu or to prevent infection with H1N1 flu viruses, and they must be prescribed by a health care professional. At this time, the release of effective antiviral agents is being regulated by federal and state health authorities.

Because most people ill with flu will recover without complications, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is currently not recommending treatment with antiviral drugs for people who are not at higher risk for flu complications or do not have severe influenza.

Federal and state health authorities currently recommend antiviral treatment for certain groups: hospitalized individuals; individuals with flu-like illness who have pre-existing medical conditions that cause them to be at higher risk for flu complications (e.g., pregnant women, individuals with chronic illnesses such as asthma and diabetes, and individuals with compromised immune systems); and individuals with influenza whose medical condition appears to be significantly worsening.

Health authorities also note that individuals with pre-existing medical conditions who have had close contact with someone with flu may consider taking an antiviral medication prophylactically to decrease the likelihood of developing a serious case of influenza.

Students with pre-existing conditions who develop flu-like symptoms or have been exposed to someone with flu should call UHS at (609) 258-3141 to discuss whether it would be appropriate to start antiviral treatment. UHS also will review the need for a prescription for antiviral medication for high risk individuals who will be traveling to locations where antiviral medications may not be readily available. [See "Travel FAQ" section for more information]

Employees who have questions about whether it would be appropriate to start antiviral treatment should contact their personal physician.

Should people take extra measures, like wearing surgical masks to avoid exposure?

The use of a face mask by an individual with flu is thought to decrease the transmission of the flu virus to others. Therefore, individuals with flu who are in self-isolation in their dorm rooms or homes are strongly encouraged to wear a face mask when others are present or if they must leave their room (i.e. to use a communal bathroom or to seek medical assistance).

After being evaluated by University Health Services, ill students in self-isolation may be provided a mask to prevent the spread of illness to healthy roommates or if others need to be present in their room. Ill students also may contact the  Director of Student Life (DSL) in their residential college (for undergraduates) or community programs coordinator Olivia Martel (for graduate students) to obtain a mask. Masks also may be requested by well students who are at higher risk for complications from the flu (e.g., pregnant women, individuals with chronic illnesses such as asthma and diabetes, and individuals with compromised immune systems).

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is currently not recommending the use of facemasks for healthy individuals who are not in a high risk category. All individuals are encouraged to continue practice good hygiene and take the normal precautions to protect themselves as they would from regular seasonal flu. [See the above question: What can I do to protect myself from getting sick?]

Should you choose to purchase a facemask, masks cleared by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for use as medical devices have been determined to help protect penetration of blood and body fluids. This includes facemasks labeled as surgical, dental, medical procedure, isolation or laser masks, and these typically are available for purchase at local pharmacies, supermarkets or hardware stores.

I am a visitor on campus and am experiencing flu-like symptoms. What should I do?

If you are a visitor to campus and would like to be seen by a health care provider, practitioners at Princeton Primary and Urgent Care Center, an independent health care facility in Princeton, N.J., may be available to see you. Visitors can call Princeton Primary and Urgent Care Center at (609) 919-0009 for further information or to schedule an appointment. [For more information, see the Visitor Flu Symptom Advisory]

OTHER FAQs

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Last update: 18-Nov-2009 9:44 AM
Web page comments or errors: Robin Izzo.