Wright State University's Response to the Influenza A (H1N1) Pandemic

When the Swine flu outbreak began to spread across North America, Wright State convened its Crisis Management Team to review current plans and assess the threat to our university community. Following the outbreak now referred to as an H1N1 Pandemic, the Team has coordinated University resources and capabilities to offer a high degree of preparedness and response activities for the campus community. This website will provide students, faculty, staff, and parents with important information about H1N1, preventative measures that can help us all stay healthy, what to do if you have flu symptoms, and appropriate responses to student and/or employee absences.

It is important to remember that seasonal varieties of the flu virus affect millions of people worldwide each year, resulting in more than 200,000 hospitalizations and 36,000 deaths in the United States alone. While the spread of this new H1N1 virus is global, the severity of the current strain remains low. Simply stated, more and more people are getting the flu from this virus but very few people die from it.

H1N1 is the flu and preventative measures are no different than the seasonal flu.

Follow these simple practices to reduce your chances of contracting the influenza virus:

• Wash your hands often
• Cover your sneeze or cough
• Keep your hands away from your face
• Protect your personal space of about 6 feet
• Eat smart and get your rest

For information about H1N1 flu clinics offered in the Dayton campus tri-county area and in Mercer County for Lake campus, visit the following public health websites:

Greene County Combined Health District

Public Health - Dayton & Montgomery County

Clark County Combined Health District

Mercer County Combined Health District

H1N1 Flu Clinic Information - Dayton Campus

• If you are in the target population listed below, you will be sent information about H1N1 flu shot clinics via your campus email address when Wright State receives the vaccine.

• If you are not in the target population listed below, please contact your family physician, health care provider, or county health department about receiving the H1N1 vaccine.

• H1N1 vaccination clinic schedules will be dependent upon the receipt of the weekly vaccine shipments.

Based on guidance from the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, the following target population at Wright State will be offered the H1N1 "flu shot" when the vaccine is received.

• Students with disabilities who are 24 years old or younger, or any student with disabilities who has a pre-existing condition*
• Students who are 24 years old or younger and are living in campus housing through Residence Services
• Students who have patient contact in a clinical setting (BSOM, Nursing, Social Work, SOPP)
• Select staff who could have direct patient contact or may care for students with pre-existing conditions* (Student Health, University Police, ODS Personal Assistants, Residence Services)

*pre-existing conditions identified by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention—including chronic pulmonary (including asthma), cardiovascular (excluding hypertension), renal (kidney), hepatic (liver), neurologic, hematologic (blood disorders), or metabolic (diabetes) disorder; immunosuppressed, including that caused by medications or HIV.

NOTE:

Pregnant women will not be offered the H1N1 vaccine on campus. If you are preganant and want to receive H1N1 vaccine, please contact your family physician or health care provider.

H1N1 vaccinations will be provided on a "first come, first served" basis until the vaccine has been used or the scheduled clinic hours have ended.

Vaccine will not be administered to persons who are or have

• Severe (life threatening) allergies
• Adverse reactions to thimerosal (a preservative)
• Allergic to chicken proteins, eggs, or egg products
• Moderately or severely ill
• Pregnant

For more information about the vaccine, please review CDC's Vaccine Information Statement for the 2009 H1N1 Influenza Vaccine.

NOTE: Automatic hand sanitizer dispensers on 18-month back-order

We are fortunate that Physical plant placed an early order and installed 150 hand sanitizer dispensers at the Dayton and Lake campuses and at various off-site facilities before the shortage occurred. Custodial Services is not taking additional requests for dispensers at this time but will continue to monitor and refill the installed dispensers.

Frequently Asked Questions

NEW What is the difference between this year's H1N1 vaccine and the seasonal flu vaccine?

REVISED I've heard that the new H1N1 vaccine may not be safe. Was it subjected to testing and clinical trials?

REVISED What is the difference between the nasal spray and the flu shot?

NEW If I have had the flu this year, do I need either flu shot?

NEW Does the flu vaccine contain the mercury compound thimerosal?

Why should Wright State University be concerned about this Pandemic?

REVISED What are the signs and symptoms of the H1N1 flu virus and how are they different from the seasonal flu?

What if I have flu-like symptoms?

I notice students who do not properly cover their mouth when they cough or sneeze. What would you suggest I say to those students?

Should I assemble a "flu kit" to be prepared if I do get sick?

What if I'm sick and I have to leave my room or house?

What if I'm sick and someone enters my room or house to care for me?

How many cases constitute an outbreak?  What method is used to determine if a flu outbreak has occurred?

I've noticed waterless hand sanitizer dispensers across campus. Can I use them and does the sanitizer really work?

I hear the terms “facemask” and “respirator” used. What is the difference and when should they be worn?

All the media coverage and talk about this Pandemic has me worried. Who can I talk with about the stress and anxiety I am experiencing?

I am considering participating in a Study Abroad Program. How will this Pandemic affect my plans?

I have a child at Mini University.  What steps are being taken to reduce the threat of the flu at Mini-U?  What are their procedures if a child has flu-like symptoms?

I have heard references and comparisons to the Great 1918 Pandemic. What do we know about that deadly outbreak?

How is the severity of an influenza pandemic determined?

Helpful links

Send questions to Emergency_Management@Wright.edu. FAQs will be considered for addition to the list.

Q. What is the difference between the 2009 H1N1 vaccine and this year's seasonal flu vaccine?

The H1N1 vaccine only contains the new H1N1 virus. This year's seasonal flu vaccine will help protect against an influenza B virus, an influenza A H3N2 virus, and an influenza A H1N1 virus that is unrelated to the swine flu virus.

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Q. I've heard that the new H1N1 vaccine may not be safe. Was it subjected to testing and clinical trials?

The new H1N1 vaccine is manufactured exactly the same as the seasonal flu vaccine. Although the U.S. Food and Drug Administration does not require a new round of human clinical trials to study minor changes in the flu vaccine, they were conducted on the new H1N1 vaccine to determine the adequate dose. For more information about the vaccine, read CDC's Vaccine Information Statement for the 2009 H1N1 Influenza Vaccine ("Flu Shot").

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Q. What is the difference between the nasal spray and the flu shot?

The flu shot is an injectable vaccine made from a killed influenza virus that is highly purified and broken into tiny pieces. It cannot recombine in the body to produce flu, but getting the flu shot may result in mild problems that could last for 1-2 days.

The nasal spray is a vaccine called FluMist and is made of an attenuated live virus. This is a weakened version of the virus that has been tamed in the laboratory so it cannot cause the flu. When the vaccine is sprayed into the nose, it multiplies on the mucous membranes in the nose and throat, triggering the body’s immune response. Some studies suggest the nasal mist is more effective than the traditional flu shot. FluMist is not approved for people with asthma, pregnant women or people with underlying medical problems like heart disease and diabetes. read CDC's Vaccine Information Statement for the 2009 H1N1 Influenza Vaccine (FluMist).

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Q. If I have had the flu this year, do I need either flu shot?

Unless your case was officially confirmed by a laboratory test as the 2009 H1N1 flu, there is no way to be sure you are protected against it. However, if you did have a confirmed case of H1N1 flu, you are still vulnerable to the seasonal flu and should consider receiving a seasonal flu shot.

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Q. Does the flu vaccine contain the mercury compound thimerosal?

Flu vaccine packaged in a multidose vial contains thimerosal, a preservative that prevents contamination of the vaccine during repeated use. One dose from a multiuse vial contains about 25 micrograms of mercury. By comparison, a tuna fish sandwich contains about 28 micrograms of mercury. Repeated studies have shown thimerosal to be safe. However, people who want to minimize mercury exposure should contact their family physician or health care provider and ask for a vaccine in a single-dose package, which has only trace amounts, or the FluMist, which is thimerosal-free.

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Q. Why should Wright State University be concerned about this Pandemic?

Higher education institutions congregate an age group that have the highest number of H1N1 flu cases. Furthermore, we are entering the flu season. Campus communities may act as a “point of spread.” We want our combined efforts of prevention and response to keep students, faculty, and staff healthy that they can attend classes and report to work.

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Q. What are the signs and symptoms of the H1N1 flu virus and how are they different from the seasonal flu?

The symptoms of the H1N1 virus and seasonal flu viruses are very similar. You can experience the following

• Fever over 100ºF (37.8ºC)
• Sore Throat
• Coughing
• Body/Muscle aches
• Headache
• Fatigue
• Chills
• Runny/Stuffy nose

Many infected with the H1N1 virus have reported diarrhea and vomiting. But like the seasonal flu, severe illness and even death can result from the the H1N1 virus.

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Q. What if I have flu-like symptoms?

• Do not go to class and expose others to your illness.
• Remain at home or in your room (voluntary isolation) until your fever stays below 100ºF (37.8ºC) for 24 hours.
• Rest, drink plenty of fluids, take pain relievers, etc.
• If you live in the residence halls, contact your RA and provide them the information they request. They will check on you during your illness and contact your professors/instructors for you.
• If your symptoms do not improve after 48 hours, call Student Health at 775-2552 or seek medical assistance (students in residence halls may consider Urgent Care at 3371 Kemp Rd. in Beavercreek or Doctors' Urgent Care Offices at 2131 Gateway Dr. in Fairborn).

Faculty:

• Do not go to class or your office and expose others to your illness.
• Follow procedures for contacting your students and/or reporting your absence established by your Dean or department chair.
• Remain at home (voluntary isolation) until your fever stays below 100ºF (37.8ºC) for 24 hours.
• Rest, drink plenty of fluids, take pain relievers, etc.
• If your symptoms do not improve after 48 hours, seek medical assistance.

Staff:

• Do not report to work and expose others to your illness.
• Inform your supervisor and follow established sick leave procedures.
• Remain at home (voluntary isolation) until your fever stays below 100ºF (37.8ºC) for 24 hours.
• Rest, drink plenty of fluids, take pain relievers, etc.
• If your symptoms do not improve after 48 hours, seek medical assistance.

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Q. I notice students who do not properly cover their mouth when they cough or sneeze. What would you suggest I say to those students?

Controlling the spread of germs is everyone's responsibility and it doesn't matter whether the person is student, faculty, or staff. Wright State is sending the message through public announcements, posters, newspaper articles, and an H1N1 website. The Provost and Faculty President recently sent a letter to faculty offering guidelines to help keep their classroom healthy and included promoting preventative measures like covering sneezes and coughs. However, peer reinforcement may be our most powerful and effective approach in this campaign. If you experience a person with poor cough/sneeze etiquette, consider offering up some positive peer pressure. Inform and educate the person on how to minimize the spread of germs--especially the flu--and why it is important to cover that sneeze or cough.

So what would you say the the person? First, educate yourself on the issue. When you approach the person, always be respectful...it could be that the person just doesn't "get it" yet. Let them know that the flu virus can live for hours outside the body. Ask the person to please cover their cough or sneeze because the germs can travel about 6 feet to contaminate other people and surfaces. Then demonstrate the "in your sleeve" technique. "Coughing or sneezing in your sleeve or in a tissue will trap the germs." "Remember to wash your hands often, especially after you have coughed or sneezed in your sleeve or a tissue." "If you can't wash your hands right away, use waterless hand sanitizer." (Do you carry any around to offer the person a squirt of sanitizer on the palm?) "We all need to work together to stop the spread of the flu." Start with these suggestions. A quick Internet search will provide you lots of ideas to help get the word out about infection control.

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Q. Should I assemble a "flu kit" to be prepared if I do get sick?

Yes. We suggest you include the following items in your kit. But don't stop there. Consider what other things you may want to set aside for a 2-3 day voluntary isolation at home or in your room.

• Soft tissues for your nose
• Hand sanitizer / antibacterial soap
• Tylenol or Ibuprofen
• Mercury-free thermometer
• Non-carbonated drinks
• Comfort food/soups/energy bars
• Spray disinfectant/wipes
• Surgical masks

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Q. What if I'm sick and I have to leave my room or house?

If you have flu-like symptoms, ask someone you know to get what you need from the store. If no assistance is available or you are going to seek medical assistance, wear a surgical mask while you are out. Keep your distance from others...remember, you are probably contageous if your temperature is above 100ºF (37.8ºC).

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Q. What if I'm sick and someone enters my room or house to care for me?

Protect your caregiver. Wear a surgical mask while they are in the room with you. Keep their visit as short as possible. Remind them to wash their hands often and to keep their hands away from their face. For more information, review CDC's Resources for Parents and Caregivers.

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Q. How many cases constitute an outbreak?  What method is used to determine if a flu outbreak has occurred?  

There is no set number of cases used to determine if an outbreak of an infectious disease has occurred.  Ohio Administrative Code defines outbreak as “the occurrence of cases of disease in numbers greater than expected in a particular population or for a particular period of time.”

According to Donald E. Brannen, Greene County’s Community Epidemiologist, a flu outbreak requires “a report by the end of the next business day to the local health department in whose jurisdiction the outbreak has occurred.”

If Wright State has an unexpected pattern of cases (e.g., more flu cases in one campus residence) or a campus wide increase of cases, a report will be made to Greene County Combined Health District.

Flu cases among the student population are being monitored during the quarter and Student Health Services is working with health officials.  However, Wright State is not collecting data on employee illnesses specific to the flu but must rely on medical providers and their reporting requirements in the counties where employees reside.

“We currently survey emergency department visits, poison control centers, and over the counter retail pharmacy sales, as well as receiving reports of diseases,” says Brannen.  Typically, flu outbreaks (including H1N1) will be handled by a local public health agency in consultation with the Ohio Department of Health.

Ohio Administrative and Revised Codes applicable to communicable diseases can be reviewed by visiting http://www.odh.ohio.gov/pdf/IDCM/sect2a.pdf.

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Q. I've noticed waterless hand sanitizer dispensers across campus. Can I use them and does the sanitizer really work?

Absolutely. Washing/sanitizing your hands is one of the best practices for staying healthy. Physical Plant has installed waterless hand sanitizer dispensers at key locations in vending areas, basement and 1st floor elevators, food areas, and 24-hour labs. Please report the location of malfunctioning dispensers to Physical Plant Customer Service at x4444. When you purchase your own bottle to carry around with you, choose an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60 percent alcohol.

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Q. I hear the terms “facemask” and “respirator” used. What is the difference and when should they be worn?

Facemasks (also referred to as isolation masks, dusk masks, or simply “masks”) differ from respirators in that they do not seal tightly to the face and are used to block large droplets from coming into contact with the wearer’s mouth or nose or to prevent the airborne discharge of droplets from an infected person.  They are not designed to protect a wearer from breathing in small particle aerosols that may contain viruses.  

Masks are better suited for a sick person with flu-like symptoms to wear, providing a level of protection for individuals caring for the sick person.  The mask will limit the spread of the virus from coughing and sneezing.

A respirator is typically a filtering face piece certified by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health designed to seal tightly to the wearer’s face and filter out very small particles that can contain viruses.  There are many different types of respirators (including air supplied), but in terms of exposure protection to the flu virus, the N95 respirator is normally considered.  
 
Any individual required to wear an N95 respirator as part of their employment must be included in the university’s respiratory protection program as required under the Occupational Safety and Health Administration Respiratory Protection standard. Any employee who feels the need to wear an N95 respirator, although the job task they are performing does not require its use, can wear it on a voluntary basis if they complete the university’s Respirator Voluntary Use Form. For more information on the university’s Respiratory Protection Program, and/or to obtain a voluntary use form, contact the Department of Environmental Health and Safety (EHS).

Visit the CDC site: What You Should Know about Using Facemasks and Respirators

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Q. All the media coverage and talk about this Pandemic has me worried. Who can I talk with about the stress and anxiety I am experiencing?

Students may arrange appointments at Counseling and Wellness Services, 053 Student Union, by telephone at (937) 775-3407 or in person. Employees should visit the Human Resources Faculty & Staff Assistance Program (FSAP) website.

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Q. I am considering participating in a Study Abroad Program. How will this Pandemic affect my plans?

The University Center for International Education (UCIE) is aware of the Influenza (H1N1) Pandemic.  Study Abroad administrators are proactively preparing procedures should this infectious disease outbreak seriously impact our study abroad programs.  Procedures will be based upon information provided by the World Health Organization (WHO), the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the WSU Pandemic Influenza Response Plan.

IMPORTANT REMINDER:  All faculty, students and staff who plan to travel to international destinations for study, research or business are required by Wright Way Policy Number 5601-Travel (Section 10-International Travel) to notify the University Center for International Education for registration with International SOS. More information on International SOS can be found at http://www.wright.edu/ucie/travel/sos.html

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Q. I have a child at Mini University.  What steps are being taken to reduce the threat of the flu at Mini-U?  What are their procedures if a child has flu-like symptoms?

Mini University has the following procedures in place to reduce the spread of any communicable disease including H1N1 Flu.  

• All children and staff are educated to cover their mouth and nose with a tissue when they cough or sneeze.
• Proper hand washing is enforced with the staff and children. Hand washing is mandatory many times throughout the day including upon entering the classroom.
• Classrooms and equipment are cleaned and sanitized regularly.
• Mini University encourages all staff to get a seasonal flu vaccination and the H1N1 flu vaccination when they become available.  Parents are encouraged to speak to their medical provider or their child’s pediatrician about receiving flu vaccinations.
• If a child becomes ill at school, they are moved to our sick room and parents are called to pick up. These children may not return until they have been symptom free for at least 24 hours.
• Sick staff members are not to come to work and are sent home if they become ill while at work. They may not return to work until they have been symptom free for at least 24 hours.

Mini University is in regular communication with local public health officials to stay informed. Families of children at Mini University will be kept informed of the situation. Mini University will remain open as long as the center can be appropriately staffed and if it is safe to do so.

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Q. I have heard references and comparisons to the Great 1918 Pandemic. What do we know about that deadly outbreak?

"In 1918, the cause of human influenza and its links to avian and swine influenza were unknown. Despite clinical and epidemiologic similarities to influenza pandemics of 1889, 1847, and even earlier, many questioned whether such an explosively fatal disease could be influenza at all. That question did not begin to be resolved until the 1930s, when closely related influenza viruses (now known to be H1N1 viruses) were isolated, first from pigs and shortly thereafter from humans". The entire article can be read at 1918 Influenza: the Mother of All Pandemics, at Emerging Infections Diseases, CDC.

The Influenza Pandemic occurred in three waves in the United States throughout 1918 and 1919. Learn more about the pandemic, along with the Nation’s health and the medical care system and how they were affected. Also, take a glance at some people who fought the Influenza in the United States. Visit http://1918.pandemicflu.gov/.

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Q. How is the severity of an influenza pandemic determined?

"The major determinant of the severity of an influenza pandemic, as measured by the number of cases of severe illness and deaths it causes, is the inherent virulence of the virus. However, many other factors influence the overall severity of a pandemic’s impact...Even a pandemic virus that initially causes mild symptoms in otherwise healthy people can be disruptive, especially under the conditions of today’s highly mobile and closely interdependent societies. Moreover, the same virus that causes mild illness in one country can result in much higher morbidity and mortality in another. In addition, the inherent virulence of the virus can change over time as the pandemic goes through subsequent waves of national and international spread...". The complete WHO article can be viewed at http://www.who.int/csr/disease/swineflu/assess/disease_swineflu_assess_20090511/en/index.html.

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Helpful Links

Flu.gov: One-stop access to U.S. Government H1N1, avian and pandemic flu information

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Influenza A (H1N1) site

H1N1 Swine Flu and You (Q&A)

Interim CDC Guidance for Infection Control for Care of Patients with Confirmed or Suspected Swine Influenza A (H1N1) Virus Infection in a Healthcare Setting

H1N1 Flu (Swine Flu): Resources for Child Care Programs, Schools, Colleges, and Universities

Interim CDC Guidance on Day and Residential Camps in Response to Human Infections with the Novel Influenza A (H1N1) Virus

Interim Recommendations for Facemask and Respirator Use in Certain Community Settings

Interim CDC Guidance for Public Gatherings

CDC Novel H1N1 Vaccination Planning Q&A

International SOS

World Health Organization

Tracking the Progress of the H1N1 Swine Flu

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