H1N1 Flu Information
2009 H1N1 Brief Summary
Local
Local reports from medical providers and schools locally indicate a decrease in 09H1N1 activity.
Citizens of Jackson County are encouraged to use the State Hotline 1-800-978-3040 for questions and the afterhours number 899-4251. Jackson County Flash Reports.
State
Adult, lab confirmed influenza hospitalizations peaked total 698 for the state. Total number of related deaths is 18. Both adult and pediatric hospitalizations have decreased from the previous week.
Vaccine
09 H1N1 Flu vaccine shortages continue. Information on local vaccine information can be found at 774-6444. Vaccine continues to come into Jackson County at a slower rate than expected. Priority groups are being addressed at this time.
SHWC
- 09 H1N1 (Injectable and Nasal Mist) Flu clinics will be held Friday, November 13th and 20th between 12-4 at the SHWC while supply lasts.
- The SHWC has received a shipment of H1N1 injectable vaccine that is currently available to students who are high risk (pregnant women, a person who lives with or provided care for infants aged 6 months or less, health care or emergency service personnel, person 6 months to 24 years of age with a chronic health condition who could not otherwise qualify for the H1N1 Nasal Mist).
- The SHWC still has a supply of the H1N1 Nasal Mist for students who are healthy and under 25 years old, or who are under 50 and a health care or emergency worker.
- All H1N1 vaccines will be given on a priority, first come, first serve basis.
- Seasonal flu vaccine is expected to be available again in mid November.
- Numbers of students seen with influenza like illness and calls to the hotline are decreasing.
- There have not been any reports from housing regarding any clusters or outbreaks of influenza like illness in the halls.
- The SHWC has Tamiflu antiviral medication from the county cache (from state stockpile) still available. This allotment is for students who meet CDC guidelines for being at risk of complications and cannot afford it. For more information on antiviral medication is available from the CDC web site.
Current Situation as of November 12, 2009
This information is provided by Jackson County Health and Human Services
World (new data)
- WHO reports over 482,000 laboratory confirmed cases of H1N1 and over 6,000 H1N1 related deaths have occurred worldwide since 04/09 (updated 11/09/09).
U.S. (new data) Since September 1, 2009:
- From August 30 – October 31, 2009, 17,838 laboratory-confirmed influenza associated hospitalizations and 672 laboratory-confirmed influenza associated deaths were reported to CDC (updated 11/9/09).
- As of November 5, 2009, 70 school dismissals from 12 states have been reported, affecting 16,461 students and 1,161 teachers (updated 11/10/09).
- 6 states and 1 territory (Florida, Virginia, Wisconsin, Iowa, Maryland, Nebraska, and American Samoa) have declared Public Health emergencies; 13 states have declared an emergency declaration/proclamation (updated 11/10/09).
Oregon (new data)
- Governor Ted Kulongoski issued an Executive Order on 11/4 to grant the state’s public health director additional authority to respond to H1N1 influenza. More information can be found at http://governor.oregon.gov/Gov/P2009/press_110509a.shtml
- H1N1 hospitalization and death totals have been updated. From 09/01/09 to 11/10/09, there were 1,015 laboratory confirmed hospitalizations in 33 counties and 33 deaths in 12 counties. 92% of individuals who died had at least one underlying health condition. The most common conditions were cardiac problems, pulmonary disease including asthma and obesity. Laboratory confirmation encompasses all test types, including rapid influenza tests.
- Twenty seven county and four tribal Operation Centers have been placed on limited or full activation status.
Jackson County (new data)
- Data from our schools, hospital emergency departments, clinics, and primary care partners indicate there continues to be a downward trend in H1N1 influenza in our community.
- As school absenteeism from ILI continues a downward trend and no school is over 10%, the schools will discontinue reporting as of this week. We wish to thank all the schools for their support during this wave of H1N1 as their information has been critical to H1N1 incident response and planning. This was an additional time consuming task for the schools and we greatly appreciate their efforts. THANK YOU!
- As of November 10, 2009 the state reports a total of 95 confirmed H1N1 hospitalizations in Jackson County and 2 confirmed deaths.
- Please note that hospitals were notified in mid-October that due to the surge in testing at the Oregon State Public Health Lab, that only positive locally tested samples of hospitalized patients, including rapid tested, would be tested for confirmation. This does affect the statistical number of hospitalized patients due to the rapid test sensitivity. According to the CDC, rapid tests vary in their ability to detect flu viruses. Depending on the test used, their ability to detect 2009 H1N1 flu can range from 10% to 70%. This means that some people with a 2009 H1N1 flu infection have had a negative rapid test result. (This situation is called a false negative test result.)
- In an effort to help alleviate the strain on the local medical community, citizens of Jackson County are urged to use the State Public Health Hotline if they have questions about H1N1. In some cases calls may be transferred to locally trained healthcare staff to assist people with their H1N1 needs. The State Hotline number is 1-800-978-3040 and is open Monday through Friday from 0800 – 1800. After hours the public can call 899-4251.
- All 4 hospitals in our region continue to have activated Emergency Operations Plans, but are continuing to scale back their operations.
Flu Shot & Immunization Clinics
Friday, November 13th and 20th from 12:00 noon - 4:00 pm
No appointment necessary, just walk-in!
SHWC has the 09 H1N1 Injectable and Nasal Flumist vaccine in. The injectable H1N1 is currently available to students who are high risk (pregnant women, a person who lives with or provided care for infants aged 6 months or less, health care or emergency service personnel, person 6 months to 24 years of age with a chronic health condition who could not otherwise qualify for the H1N1 Nasal Mist). The H1N1 Nasal Mist is available to students who are healthy and under 25 years old, or who are under 50 and a health care or emergency worker.
The 09H1N1 vaccine is free. The SHWC charges an $8 dispensing fee for the nasal mist vaccine and a $10 dispensing fee for the injectable vaccine.
Care and Resources
The severity of the illness ranges from mild to severe however, the majority of those ill with 2009 H1N1 will not need medical care. We recommend that students who are ill with H1N1 like symptoms and believe they need to be seen or have questions regarding their symptoms call the Student Flu Hotline at 541-552-7000. This is important to do prior to going into the SHWC to help reduce exposure to those who may have other compromising health conditions.
Flu kits containing: flu information sheet, thermometer, tissue, hand sanitizer, over the counter fever reducing medicine, surgical mask and Emergen-C will be available for purchase at a minimal charge at New Student Orientation and at the SHWC. We recommend that students arrive with a flu kit or have parents/families provide one to their student.
Housing staff will provide support to students who are advised to stay in their room and need food or supplies brought to them.
Symptoms and Recommendations
- Fever of 100 or more
- Sore throat and/or Cough
- Other symptoms can include: headache, chills, body aches, runny or stuffy nose, and fatigue. A significant number of people who have been infected with this virus also have reported diarrhea and vomiting.
- Rarely, severe and life-threatening complications can occur, which can include breathing or central nervous system problems. People exhibiting trouble breathing or other severe symptoms need to seek medical care immediately.
Symptoms Indicating Medical Attention is Needed
If you have illness and you are at high risk for flu complications, or you are concerned about your illness, contact the Student Health and Wellness Center Flu Hotline at 552-7000 to speak with a nurse or be seen, or seek medical care somewhere. Your health care provider will determine whether flu testing or treatment is needed.
If you become ill and experience any of the following warning signs, seek emergency medical care.
In children, emergency warning signs that need urgent medical attention include:
- Fast breathing or trouble breathing
- Bluish or gray skin color
- Not drinking enough fluids
- Severe or persistent vomiting
- Not waking up or not interacting
- Being so irritable that the child does not want to be held
- Flu-like symptoms improve but then return with fever and worse cough
In adults, emergency warning signs that need urgent medical attention include:
- Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
- Pain or pressure in the chest or abdomen
- Sudden dizziness
- Confusion
- Severe or persistent vomiting
- Flu-like symptoms improve but then return with fever and worse cough
After Hours Resources
If SOU students need to seek medical advice during weekends or after hours here are some off campus medical care options:
For those enrolled in the Student Insurance Plan:
24 hour Nurse Advice Line
1-800-556-1555
1-800-270-2386 TDD
Ashland Community Health Center
8:00-5:30 M-F
482-9741
99 Central Ave, Ashland
La Clinica
8:30-6:30 M-F
8:00-5:00 Sat.
618-1300
3617 S. Pacific Hwy, Phoenix
Valley Immediate Care
8:00 am-8:00 pm M-F
9:00 am-6:00 pm Sat and Sun
773-4029
235 Barnett, Suite 106, Medford
Ashland Community Hospital
201-4111
280 Maple St., Ashland
DON'T GET IT!
- Wash your hands often with soap and water, rubbing for 20 seconds or longer. Alcohol-based hand cleaners are also effective. Do this multiple times a day especially before eating.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs spread that way.
- Try to avoid close contact with those who are ill
- Influenza is thought to spread mainly from person to person when infected people cough or sneeze. Viruses in droplets can live on surfaces (doorknobs, keyboards) for up to 8 hours.
- Get plenty of sleep, be physically active, manage your stress, drink plenty of fluids, and eat nutritious food.
DON'T GIVE IT!
- Students, faculty or staff who live either on or off campus and who have symptoms consistent with 2009 H1N1 should:
- Stay home when ill and for at least 24 hours after their fever is gone (their fever should be gone without the use of a fever-reducing medicine). They should stay away from others including large gatherings or community areas.
- Those who have H1N1 symptoms and need to seek medical care or have questions about their symptoms should call SHWC (or other health care provider) prior to going in for care.
- Students wishing assessment, students with questions about available treatment, or needing support should call the SHWC Flu Hotline at 541-552-7000.
- Students at high risk of complications should call the Hotline or their medical provider at first onset of illness.
- Students having difficulty breathing, or seriously ill should call 911 or go to the emergency room.
- Cover cough/sneeze with tissue and throw away OR cough/sneeze into elbow area
- Wash hands or use santitizer frequently especially after covering cough/sneeze.
Monitoring
The Student Health and Wellness Center Director, Diane Potratz, and Medical Director, Dr. Laura Robin, continue to monitor 2009 H1N1 updates and guidance from the CDC, WHO, the Oregon State Health Division and Jackson County. Dr. Robin works closely with Jackson County Health Officer, Dr. Jim Shames, as a member of the County Medical Advisory Group. SOU Student Health and Wellness Center participates in a national higher education Influenza surveillance system through the American College Health Association. SOU Crisis Response Team Chair, Eric Rodriguez, provides joint leadership in facilitating Pandemic Response Plan development. As the characteristics of the disease change over time, there will continue to be changes in guidance.
Communications
Don't Get It! Don't Give It! An educational campaign focusing on increasing behaviors to prevent illness and to reduce spread of illness is underway. Communication strategies will include information on standard precautions and resources through a variety of media including posters, flyers, brief presentations, web and MySOU and tabling throughout the campus community. Utilizing other media such as FaceBook is under current consideration. Plans for continued communications to students, staff/faculty and parents/families are in place.
| Diane Potratz | Director SHWC | 552-6138 | potratzd@sou.edu |
| Dr. Laura Robin | Medical Director | 552-6137 | robinl@sou.edu |
