H1N1 UPDATE FOR RA’S FALL 2009. What is H1N1 and why all the planning New Influenza virus –...

H1N1

UPDATE FOR RA’S FALL 2009

What is H1N1 and why all the planning

• New Influenza virus– April 2009– Pandemic status June 2009– Unpredictable– No vaccine

Symptoms

• Fever >100.0• Cough• Sore throat• Headache• Severe body aches• Nasal congestion/stuffiness• Nausea/vomiting/diarrhea

How is it spread

• Coughing/sneezing• Contaminated surfaces– 2-8 hours

How long is it contagious

• 1 day before getting ill• 7 days after getting ill

Prevention

• Covering your cough• Avoid ill people • Don’t touch your eyes, nose or mouth• Hand washing– Hand sanitizers

What to do if you get sick

• Call Health Services and ask to speak with a nurse

• If you have probable H1N1 either self isolate or go home– Temperature <100.0 for 24 hours

How to help limit the spread

• Keep yourself healthy• Encourage residents to report their illness to

Health Services• Provide updates for residents in your hall