Campus resources and responses to global flu outbreak
Campus status: Normal operations, all activities continuing as usual and as planned.
Resources:
Tips for staying healthy
- Wash your hands often
- Cover your mouth and nose when you sneeze or cough
- Get vaccinated if you fall into the risk categories
- If you're sick, stay home!
- Self-care instructions
From Public Affairs
Nov. 9 Update: University Health Services is still awaiting its first shipment of H1N1 vaccine and expects an initially small allotment. UHS will target their vaccination efforts towards at-risk student populations. As a result, UHS advises Berkeley staff and faculty to contact their primary-care providers for the vaccine.
"It's a challenging situation," says Claudio Covello, executive director of UHS. "Even though we ordered enough H1N1 vaccine to immunize the entire campus population, the sporadic nature of the vaccine delivery makes it difficult to predict exactly when we can vaccinate everyone. Like other health providers all over the nation, we will have to focus our supplies on those who need it most." Read CalMessage from UHS
The H1N1 flu is now responsible for the increasing, but still limited, number of influenza-like illnesses occurring on campus. The campus' Pandemic Flu Preparedness Team, led by medical and public health experts at UHS and the School of Public Health, is monitoring the situation with local, state and federal health officials. Updates, additional resources and FAQs are available on the University Health Services website.
The symptoms of H1N1 flu are similar to the seasonal flu, including the sudden onset of high fever, cough, and fatigue. Headaches and body aches often accompany these. Less frequently, patients may experience runny nose, sore throat, nausea, or vomiting or diarrhea. The CDC currently recommends that people with influenza-like illness remain at home until at least 24 hours after they are free of fever (without the use of fever-reducing medications).
Most individuals recover within 5-7 days with basic self-care and few require medical care. Symptoms that signal the need for prompt medical care include difficulty breathing or shortness of breath, pain or pressure in the chest or abdomen, dizziness, confusion or a high fever that is not responding to medication. Individuals with flu-like illness who are either pregnant or have a medical condition that increases the risk for complications from influenza, should contact their healthcare provider promptly by phone.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. Can I get vaccinated against the H1N1 flu?
Q. I think I may have the flu. What should I do?
Q. I think my roommate (or classmate, or co-worker) might have the flu. What should I do?
Q. I'm faculty, what should I do if a student is sick?
Q. I'm a parent, and my son/daughter is sick. What should I do?
More questions & answers from University Health Services